Ecosystem Succession

1) Lichens and moss(pioneer species) appear

2) Erosion breaks rocks apart into small pieces and decomposition of pioneer species adds nutrients to the ground(soil formation)

2) Small annuals start to appear

3) Grasses and Ferns(perennials) appear

4) Shrubs and bushes appear

5) Softwoods such as conifers(trees with cones) appear

6) Hardwoods such as oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and cherry trees(trees with tree nuts)

Eventually a community reaches a steady state with relatively no change which is called a climax community.

Process in which recolonization of plants occur after some kind of natural disaster such as a forest fire. Quicker than primary succession since the soil still remains.