Ecological Succession
What happens to an ecosystem after disaster strikes? Have you ever seen how a weeds and other vegetation grow over a period of time on an abandoned lot? Let's take a look at one of the most devastating natural disasters to ever be recorded.
The huge volcanic explosion destroyed all life on what was left of the island; however, the island did stay barren for long. Only two years after the eruption, grasses began growing, and only 14 years later, there were 49 plant species that had started to grow on the island, along with lizards, birds, bats, and insects. By 1929, the island was covered in forest containing 300 plant species, and today, the island is populated with dense rain forest that provides a habitat for an abundance of animal life.
Primary Succession
Primary succession is the process of recovery that an ecosystem takes after all living organisms are removed from the ecosystem and bare rock is the only physical abiotic factor present. It takes a very long time for primary succession to produce a thriving ecosystem.
Secondary Succession
Secondary succession occurs when an ecosystem is severely damaged by man or a natural disaster, but key abiotic factors, such as soil remain. Secondary succession requires less time than primary succession to recover to a level similar to the ecosystem that existed before the disaster.
Pioneer Species
Today's Assignment
Create 2 posters that represent the processes of Primary Succession and Secondary Succession. Refer to pages 62-64 in your book or the images above for examples of how the posters should look. Each poster should clearly define each stage of succession, with each being labeled and indicating the types of organisms that grow in each stage.