Ecological Succession

In this diagram, we see how the life develops and grows in an area that began as exposed rocks. The Lichens and Mosses are the pioneer species, as they were the first to colonize in the area. This sparks development and soon we go from grasses, herbs and shrubs to the pine, spruce and birch trees found in the climax community.

Ecological Succession is a process where an existing community of organisms is replaced by a new community over long periods of time. Many times, succession occurs in places where no living things have existed before. The first organisms to colonize in a certain area are known as pioneer species. Lichens are typical pioneers. Eventually, succession leads to a stable group of organisms known as a climax community.