Primary Succession

• What is Ecological Succession?

  The stages of rebuilding an area after a disturbance or catastrophic event. Succession begins with pioneer species that modify the area to allow more complex organisms to move in and expand the areas biodiversity.
• What is before a catastrophic event?

  Climax Community
• What is the Climax community before the catastrophic event?

  A stable and biodiverse ecosystem where plants and animals exist in balance with each other.
• What is the disturbance (relating to Ecological succession)?

  A Catastrophic Event
• What is the catastrophic disturbance?

  volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides can lead to primary succession.
• What happens after a catastrophic event?


  Only rock is left
• Describe the rock after a catastrophic event?


  Only bare rock or volcanic rock is left. There is NO SOIL!
• What is the first stage of primary Succession?

  Lichen and Moss start to develop
• Describe the first stage of Primary Succession

  Pioneer species like lichen and moss begin breaking rocks down into soil. This takes a VERY long time.
• What are Lichen and Moss?

  Pioneer Species (primary succession)
• What is the second stage of Primary Succession?

  Soil
• Describe the second stage of Primary Succession

  We have soil so small plants can start to grow next.
• What is the third stage of Primary Succession?

  Grass, Wildflowers & Weeds start to grow
• Describe the third stage of Primary Succession

  Grass, wildflowers & Weeds grow first. This will attract insects, small organisms, and decomposes to the area.
• What is the fourth stage of Primary Succession?

  shrubs and bushes start to grow
• Describe the fifth stage of Primary Succession.

  Shrubs and small bushes will grow next and give small animals a habitat. Larger animals will follow.
• What is the last stage of Primary Succession?

  Climax Community
• Describe the final stage of Primary Succession.

  At climax community it is biodiverse and stable