Ecological Succession
/ee-koh-LOJ-ih-kul suk-SESH-un/🦋 Ecology●● Intermediate
Also known as: succession, plant succession
Ecological succession describes the orderly progression of plant communities from pioneer species (first colonizers of disturbed ground) through intermediate stages to a climax community. Primary succession occurs on new substrates (bare rock, lava), while secondary succession follows disturbance of existing vegetation (fire, logging). Understanding succession guides restoration ecology and forest management.
Etymology
From Greek oikos (house) + Latin successio (a following after)
Example
“The abandoned farmland was undergoing secondary succession, with eastern red cedars giving way to hardwood seedlings.”