Ecological succession; what is ecological succession

– Ecological succession is a gradual change in composition/structure of vegetation in a habitat
– may be primary or secondary succession
– macro element required in large quantity
– micro elements required in small quantities
– examples: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.
– deficiency causes improve growth and development
– resulting in characteristic symptoms/specific effects
– plants obtain this from soil solution
– through absorption by root hairs
– energy is expended during absorption
– may also obtain them through the leaf
– when such are sprayed/foliar applied
– or through aerial roots
– serve as cofactors/coenzymes in metabolism
– primary succession occurs in fresh/virgin habitats e.g bare rock surface
– secondary succession occurs in disturbed habitat e.g farm land
– species with adaptability/tolerance first colonize habitat (primary colonizers)
– may include fungi, algae, bryophytes, etc.
– more complex species emerge, as nutrients and other resources become more abundant
– process continues till climax/stable community is established
– climax community represents the optimum, which the habitat can support.