Question

How can ecological succession change a population?

Answer 1

In an ecosystem, nothing remains constant and changes over time. Ecological succession is defined as a gradual process by which the ecosystems change and develop over time. The time scale can be years to decades to millions of years. The ecosystem means both the biotic and abiotic components.

Complete answer:
Ecological succession is the process by which an ecological community undergoes changes after a disturbance or as after the colonization of a new habitat. The succession begins by the formation of new, unoccupied habitat like lava flow, severe landslides or any sort of disturbances like fire, floods etc.

Types of succession:
1)Primary succession- It begins in a new habitat which is uninfluenced by a pre-existing community.
2)Secondary succession- It happens after the disruption of a pre-existing community.

Effect of succession on population:
1)Ecological succession leads to the change in the composition, density and distribution of the population.
2)In the ecological succession, the community starts with few pioneering species of flora and fauna. They gradually become complex and finally become stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community.
3)The animal population shifts over time as a result of succession.

Note: The final or the stable community is called the climax community. The climax community does not show the gain in accumulation of the organic matter. The production and use of energy are in balanced state. It has a varied diversity of species with a very complex food chain and spatial structure. The climax community is tolerant to the changes in the climatic and environmental conditions.