describe the ecological succession that would take place in an open field of grass.
http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/succession.htm
so its secondary succession ms.sue ?
I assume you need more of an answer than that.
Ecological succession refers to the natural process of change in the species composition and structure of a community over time. In the case of an open field of grass, the succession process can be described as follows:
1. Pioneer Stage: Initially, the open field of grass may be disturbed by natural events like fire, grazing, or human activities such as farming or construction. This creates a window of opportunity for new plant species to colonize the area. In this pioneer stage, we would typically observe the establishment of fast-growing and hardy species such as annual plants or grasses.
2. Early Successional Stage: Over time, as these pioneer species begin to grow and reproduce, they start modifying the environment. For example, they might add organic matter to the soil, increase shade, or alter nutrient dynamics. These changes create more favorable conditions for additional plant species to colonize the area. In an open grass field, we might see the introduction of perennial grasses, herbaceous plants, and even some shrubs.
3. Mid-Successional Stage: As the early successional plant species continue to grow and interact with each other, the overall community structure starts to change. Some species might outcompete others for resources, causing shifts in the dominant plant types. In an open grass field, we might witness the emergence of taller grasses, small shrubs, and possibly some early-stage tree saplings.
4. Late Successional Stage: With the passage of more time, the community transitions into a late successional stage. This stage is characterized by the dominance of trees and larger woody shrubs. In an open field of grass, we might now find a young forest developing, with tree species such as oaks, maples, or pines taking over. These trees provide a canopy cover, casting shade and creating a unique microhabitat that supports a variety of understory vegetation.
It is important to note that ecological succession is a dynamic and continuous process, and the pace and trajectory can be influenced by various factors like disturbance events, climate, and soil conditions. It is also possible for the succession to be reset to earlier stages if a major disturbance occurs, such as another fire or land clearing.