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Succession and climax in plant communities

Succession and climax in plant communities . The process by which plant species colonise a barren area of land is called succession. The first stage involves pioneer species which move into the area from other regions usually through wind dispersion.

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Succession and climax in plant communities

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  1. Succession and climax in plant communities The process by which plant species colonise a barren area of land is called succession The first stage involves pioneer species which move into the area from other regions usually through wind dispersion. Pioneer species are hardy ,tolerating low nutrient availability and surviving in harsh conditions. Pioneer species include Lichens Mosses

  2. Pioneer species have the effect of gradually changing the soil structure increasing the levels of • inorganic nutrients • organic materials • depth of the soil • soil aeration • drainage • water retention

  3. As a consequence of soil changes other species such grasses and annuals are able to take root and colonise the area. These further alter the habitat in the ways given above and allow other species such as shrubs and small tree seedling are able to take root and colonise the area. The new colonisers cause further changes to the soil and further species colonise the area repeatedly, each species modifying its habitat in turn, until a climax community ( usually trees ) forms. A climax community is a stable, self perpetuating community in dynamic equilibrium with its environment The process of succession from first colonisers to climax community is unidirectional and involves an increase in Food web complexity Biomass Species diversity Height of vegetation.

  4. Climax community Trees Lichens Mosses Grasses & Annuals Shrubs

  5. FOR ANIMATED EXAMPLE CLICK HERE • What to do • 1. Try the following past paper question • 1994 Q7 a and b • 1997 Q10 • 1998 Q11 • 2000 Q11 • 2. Attempt all questions in textbook • 3. Carry out a case study of factors affecting changes in a population of • organisms.

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