Question

Describe the process of ecological succession from a pioneer community to a climax community. include a discussion of species diversity and interactions accumulation of biomass and energy flow.

Answer 1

Describe the process of ecological succession from a pioneer community to a climax community

There are changes in composition as well as structure which lead occur after severe community disturbances. These may be in the form of ecological succession or disruption of vegetation. Ecological succession is the process in which the area that will be disturbed will be colonised by different species. If the area is virtually lifeless, the succession would be referred to as primary succession.

After primary success, there would be presence of pioneer species such as mosses or lichens which start colonising the area. After the presence of soil, there would be presence of shrubs or grasses or trees. After this, there would be colonisation of the plants, leading to vegetation in a more prevalent form.

Secondary succession would take place in a community that exists, and has been cleared as a result of other disturbances. If the area is not burned or heavily grazed, herbaceous species replace the woody shrubs. Forest trees would be later replacing shrubs.

As a result of ecological succession, primary species would be assimilating from pioneer to climax community. Climax community could be defined as a community where there are diverse plants as well as animals that come up from various environments. As the pioneer species would be moving to different environments, there would be growth of plants survival of animals. This growth cycle of shrubs as well as trees and grasses continues, leading to vegetation of species in one area.

Also, there would be flow of energy from one of the species of another species. There would be decrease in the gross energy production at the time of primary succession and almost no energy in secondary succession. There is a net decrease in energy along with a decrease in the environment respiration. Since there is an increase in energy, there would be an overall increaSe in biomass.