Understanding Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is how ecosystems change over time.

There are two main types of succession:

Primary Succession

• This happens in places where there is no life, like after a volcanic eruption.
• It all starts with pioneer species. These are the first plants to grow, like lichens and mosses.
• Building soil takes a long time and happens slowly.

Secondary Succession

• This occurs in areas that used to have life but got disturbed, like after a forest fire.
• Since there is already soil, the recovery goes faster.
• First, grasses and shrubs usually grow back in these areas.

Both types show us how life can come back and reclaim spaces!