What are the types of succession that may occur in the Sahara desert. And what are the effects.
I don't know what succession can occur in the sahara desert.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;320/5877/765
So in an early time period, it use to be a lush forest... but over time it dried up?
Right.
In order to understand the types of succession that can occur in the Sahara desert and their effects, we first need to understand what ecological succession is.
Ecological succession refers to the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It occurs in both natural and disturbed ecosystems and helps to restore and rebuild communities after disturbances such as volcanic eruptions, fires, or abandonment of an agricultural field. Succession can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary succession.
1. Primary Succession: This type of succession occurs in areas where there is no previous soil, such as bare rock or sand. In the Sahara desert, primary succession can occur in areas where sand dunes have formed, and there are no existing plants or soil. Primary succession starts with pioneer species, which are typically wind, water, or animal-dispersed seeds that can tolerate extreme conditions such as high temperatures, aridity, and low nutrient availability. Over time, as pioneer species establish themselves and die, they add organic matter to the soil, creating more favorable conditions for other plant species to grow. These new plant species are generally more diverse and better adapted to the changing environment than the initial pioneer species. The effects of primary succession in the Sahara desert include the stabilization of sand dunes, increased soil fertility, and the development of more complex and diverse plant communities.
2. Secondary Succession: This type of succession occurs in areas that have previously supported life but have been disturbed or disrupted. In the Sahara desert, secondary succession can occur in areas where human activities such as agriculture, grazing, or sand mining have caused degradation or desertification. Secondary succession starts with the recolonization of previously present species that were able to survive or regenerate after the disturbance. Over time, these pioneer species are replaced by new species that are better adapted to the changing conditions. The effects of secondary succession in the Sahara desert can include the restoration of vegetation cover, increased biodiversity, and improved soil fertility.
It's important to note that succession in the Sahara desert is a slow and gradual process due to the extreme aridity and lack of water. However, even small changes in environmental conditions can lead to significant effects over long periods.