1
Fungi, bacteria, lichens, and seeds are often among the earliest colonizers.
2
Mosses begin to grow and trap moisture, allowing the seeds of other plants to germinate.
3
Small herbs arrive and shrubs grow, shading out the mosses and herbs.
4
Small trees grow and outcompete the shrubs.
5
Taller, faster-growing trees outcompete the smaller trees.
1
Fungi, bacteria, lichens, and seeds are often among the earliest colonizers.
2
Mosses begin to grow and trap moisture, allowing the seeds of other plants to germinate.
3
Small herbs arrive and shrubs grow, shading out the mosses and herbs.
4
Small trees grow and outcompete the shrubs.
5
Taller, faster-growing trees outcompete the smaller trees.
CLIMAX
Longer-living, larger species outcompete the initial colonizers and persist as a stable and self-sustaining community.
COLONIZING
The first arrivals to a lifeless and soilless area. They are good dispersers, but poor competitors, so they are gradually replaced.
INTERMEDIATE
A variety of species is present, typically includes prokaryotes and species from all kingdoms of eukaryotes.
Primary Succession
Secondary Succession
Occurs over thousands or even tens of thousands of years.
Occurs over years, decades, or centuries.
This form of succession would occur after a glacier retreats.
Generally leads to the establishment of a stable, self-sustaining climax community.
Occurs with a disturbance that leaves an area barren of soil and with no life.
Frequently begins with organisms colonizing the decaying remains of dead organisms.