Explain Succession Ecosystem? What is the Climax Community? What limits the development of each ecosystem

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http://www.biology-online.org/4/7_ecosystem_succession.htm

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0007973.html

Succession refers to the process of ecological change over time in a particular area. The succession ecosystem describes how an ecosystem transitions from one stage to another, with different species occupying and shaping the environment. There are two main types of succession: primary and secondary.

Primary succession occurs in areas where there is no existing soil, such as on newly formed volcanic islands or glacial moraines. It starts with pioneer species like lichens and mosses that can grow on bare rock and eventually break it down to form soil. As the soil develops, it becomes suitable for the growth of other plants, leading to the establishment of a diverse community of species.

Secondary succession occurs in areas where an existing ecosystem has been disrupted or disturbed, such as after a forest fire or a clear-cutting operation. In this case, the process starts with fast-growing, opportunistic species like grasses and shrubs, which are gradually replaced by larger plants and ultimately by the original species present in the area before the disturbance.

The climax community refers to the final stage of ecological succession, where a stable and self-sustaining community of species is established. It is characterized by a complex web of interactions between different organisms, including both plants and animals. The climax community can vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and other factors specific to a particular region.

The development of each ecosystem is limited by various factors, known as limiting factors. These factors can include availability of resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients, as well as physical conditions like temperature and weather patterns. Competition among species for these limited resources can also limit the development of an ecosystem, as certain species are better adapted to utilize and compete for these resources than others. Additionally, disturbances such as fires, hurricanes, or human activities can disrupt the succession process and limit the development of an ecosystem.

Succession is the process of change in the structure and composition of an ecosystem over time. It occurs after a disturbance, such as a fire or the abandonment of agricultural land, and involves the gradual replacement of one community of organisms by another until a stable ecosystem, known as a climax community, is established.

A succession ecosystem refers to the series of communities that develop over time during the process of succession. It starts with pioneer species, which are typically small and hardy organisms that can tolerate harsh conditions. These pioneer species modify the environment in ways that make it more suitable for other, less hardy species to colonize. As the succession progresses, new species gradually replace the pioneer species, leading to an increasingly complex and diverse community.

The climax community is the stable, self-sustaining community that develops after succession has completed. It represents the final stage of the succession process, where species composition and community structure remain relatively stable over long periods of time. The climax community is usually dominated by a few dominant species that are well-adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions.

Various factors limit the development of each ecosystem during the succession process. The availability of key resources, such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, plays a crucial role in determining which species can establish themselves in an ecosystem. Competitions for these resources can limit the growth and establishment of certain species.

Other limiting factors include disturbances, such as fires, floods, or human activities, which can disrupt the succession process and set back the development of the ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of predators, parasites, and diseases can impact the abundance and distribution of certain species, thereby influencing the progression of the succession.

Overall, the development of each ecosystem is influenced by a complex interplay of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors, as well as historical and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is key to comprehending the dynamics and functioning of succession ecosystems.