EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Ecological succession typically begins when the existing biological community has been cleared away by human activity or natural disturbance such as a fire or severe storm. This may happen over a large area, but succession can also begin in a small patch of forest that is opened up where an old tree has fallen.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ecological succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time. Gradually, these communities replace one another until a “climax community”-like a mature forest-is reached, or until a disturbance, like a fire, occurs. Ecological succession is a fundamental concept in ecology.

Detailed explanation-3: -In secondary succession, a previously occupied area is re-colonized following a disturbance that kills much or all of its community. A classic example of secondary succession occurs in oak and hickory forests cleared by wildfire. Wildfires will burn most vegetation and kill animals unable to flee the area.

Detailed explanation-4: -Primary succession occurs in an environment without previous life, or a barren habitat. Secondary succession occurs in an area that had previously been inhabited but experienced a disturbance, such as a wildfire. The newly created volcanic island has no previous life, and is made of rock, devoid of soil.