ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION Meaning and
Definition
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Ecological succession refers to the process of gradual and predictable changes that occur in the composition and structure of an ecological community over time. It is the progressive replacement of one community by another, leading to a more stable and complex ecosystem.
Ecological succession can be categorized into two main types: primary and secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in an area where no community previously existed, such as on newly formed volcanic rock or bare land formed by retreating glaciers. The process starts from the colonization of pioneer species, which are highly adaptable and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These species, typically lichens and mosses, gradually break down the rock and form soil, allowing the establishment of more complex plant species. Eventually, as the soil develops, a diverse community of plants and animals becomes established.
Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in an area where a previous community has been partially or completely disturbed or destroyed, such as after a forest fire or a clear-cutting activity. In this case, the process of ecological succession is faster as remnants of the previous community, including seeds and roots, are still present. Pioneer species colonize the area, followed by other plant and animal species, facilitating the recovery and reconstruction of the previously existing ecosystem.
The driving force behind ecological succession is the process of colonization, competition, and adaptations of species to the changing environmental conditions over time. This dynamic process helps establish a balance between different organisms and their interactions, leading to the development of a stable, diverse, and mature ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
- wcological succession
- scological succession
- dcological succession
- rcological succession
- 4cological succession
- 3cological succession
- exological succession
- evological succession
- efological succession
- edological succession
- ecilogical succession
- ecklogical succession
- ecllogical succession
- ecplogical succession
- ec0logical succession
- ec9logical succession
- ecokogical succession
- ecopogical succession
- ecooogical succession
Etymology of ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
The word "ecological succession" comes from the combination of two different terms: "ecology" and "succession".
1. Ecology: The term "ecology" originated from the German word "Ökologie", coined by German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1866. The word is derived from the Greek terms "oikos", meaning "house" or "dwelling place", and "logia", meaning "the study of". Therefore, ecology can be understood as the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment.
2. Succession: The term "succession" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "successio", which means "a following after or going next". The term was adopted in the field of biology to describe the progressive and sequential changes that occur in an ecosystem over time.
Similar spelling words for ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
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