1.

What is Ecology Succession

Ecological succession is the process that describes how the structure of a biological community
(that is, an interacting group of various species in a desert, forest, grassland, marine environment,
and so on) changes over time. Species that arrive first in a newly created environment (such as an
island rising out of the sea) are called pioneer species, and they, through their interactions with
one another, build a rather simple initial biological community. The structure of this community
becomes more complex as new species arrive on the scene.

At every stage there are certain species that have evolved life histories to exploit the particular
conditions of the community. This situation imposes a partially predictable sequence of change
in the physical environment and species composition of communities.

Ecological succession begins with colonization by pioneer species. This, in turn, provides
favorable conditions for the growth of new species. Unlike pioneer species, which are small and
short-lived, climax species are considerably large and long-living. With time, relatively simple
communities are replaced by complex communities. Successive changes take place over the
period, and eventually, the environment becomes best suited for existing species.

2. What is Climax Community

An ecological community in which populations of plants or animals remain stable and exist in balance
with each other and their environment. A climax community is the final stage of succession, remaining
relatively unchanged until destroyed by an event such as fire or human interference. An oft-cited
example of a climax community is the Sonoran Desert, spanning parts of the United States and Mexico
in North America. Most species of plants and animals found in this desert are unique to it, and play a
crucial role in forming the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

3. Terrestrial Ecosystems

While many ecosystems exist on land and in the waters of the world, terrestrial ecosystems are those
that are found only on land. While there have been many classification schemes developed over time, it
is now generally accepted that there are six types of terrestrial ecosystems. These include taiga, tundra,
deciduous forest, grasslands, tropical rain forests, and deserts.

4. Aquatic Ecosystems

An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. Communities of organisms that are

dependent on each other and on their environment live in aquatic ecosystems. The two main types of
aquatic ecosystems are marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. Types can be subdidvided into
other parts such as Ocean Ecosystem, Estuaries, Coral Reefs, Coastal Systems, Lotic Ecosystems, Lentic
Ecosystems, Swamps and Wetlands.