What does succession refer to in an ecological context?

Succession in an ecological context refers to the gradual change in community structure over time. This process typically occurs after a disturbance or the creation of a new habitat, leading to a series of stages in which different species colonize the area.

In primary succession, for instance, barren land such as that left by a retreating glacier gradually becomes populated by organisms like lichens and mosses, which help create soil over time. As soil forms, larger plants can start to establish themselves, leading to a more complex ecosystem. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas that have been disturbed but still retain soil and some organisms, like after a forest fire.

Through these stages, the community structure evolves, with species composition, diversity, and interactions changing as certain species outcompete others, adapt, and modify the environment. This process highlights the dynamic nature of ecosystems and their ability to recover and develop over time.