What does ecological succession refer to?

Ecological succession is defined as the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. This process involves a series of stages where the species composition in an ecosystem shifts, often leading to a more complex community and increased biodiversity.

During succession, different species may colonize an area at different times, responding to changes in the environment and to other species in the community. This can include both primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas, and secondary succession, which happens in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but where soil and potentially seeds remain. Over time, as species adapt and conditions change, the ecosystem moves towards a more stable end point, known as a climax community.

This concept is central to understanding ecological dynamics, including how ecosystems recover from disturbances, how biodiversity is lost or gained, and how human activities can impact natural processes. The focus is on the temporal progression and the interactions between various organisms and their environment, rather than immediate or singular alterations or declines.