ECOLOGY OF POPULATIONS : ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION #1
We need to understand the phenomenon or process which undergoes orderly changes in our society, we will be talking about ecology succession. Hope you will enjoy.
Definition: Ecological succession is a long term, gradual or progressive series of changes occurring in the structure, composition, variety or diversity and number of species in an area till a stable or climax community is established. An area of bare ground, either on land or under water, hardly remains that way for a long time. The area in course of time becomes colonized by a variety of species which will occupy the bare ground.
The occupation of this bare ground changes the environment which results in the development of new organisms. With time, bigger or stronger species of organisms begin to appear and at the same time the original species are wiped out. As more species of organisms continue to appear in the habitat, it will come to a time when a stable community called climax community will be formed.
Climax Community
A climax community in ecological succession by established when a stable or unchanging community is attained or established, thus the community is in equilibrium with the environment. In climax community, the vegetation reaches its highest development and the same species of plants and animals re-occur from year to year.
General Characteristics of Succession
The following are the characteristics of succession:
1) Succession occurs newly formed habitat: Succession occurs in newly formed natural habitats, e.g. sea shores and abandoned farmlands.
2) Increase in number of organisms: In a succession, there is always a progressive increase in the number of organisms from time to time until a stable or climax community is attained.
3) Succession is orderly and progressive: Succession is usually an orderly and progressive process as microscopic green plants usually start it and bigger trees eventually result.
4) Competition among organisms: There is usually competition among the organisms for available food, light, space, nutrients and other resources within a habitat as the stronger ones survive while the weaker ones die off.
5) Diversity of organisms: There is always diversity of organisms in succession as the number and diversity of organisms change from time to time until a stable or climax community is attained.
Outcome of Succession
The following are the outcome or results of succession:
1) Replacement by complex organisms: Simpler organisms which start the succession are usually replaced by more complex ones in an evolutionary trend sequence.
2) Changes in the physical environment: Changes in the physical environment is attained from the structural changes of the species and the activities in the community.
3) Fast replacement: As some species make conditions favorable for others =, they in turn create unfavorable conditions for themselves, thereby increasing the process of replacement.
4) Attainment of equilibrium point: Equilibrium point is attained through colonization of the abandoned farmland by a wide variety of organisms that are just the same with a neighboring habitat
5) Climax community form the final stage: The final outcome of succession is the climax or stable community.
That all for now, hope to see you next time.
To be continued........
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