Ecological Succession

Ecosystems with high levels of biodiversity remain stable over long periods of time. However, environmental changes and disturbances are inevitable. Ecological succession is the process by which a stable ecosystem grows back after an environmental disturbance (such as a fire or volcanic eruption). It depends on how severe the disturbance was, and whether or not any soil is left behind, but it usually takes a couple hundred years for ecological succession to reestablish the climax community.

During each stage of ecological succession, species move back into the environment. Species only move in once the conditions are suitable for their needs. Each organism that joins the ecosystem modifies the environment and makes it suitable for others. Producers must be well established before the environment is suitable for any consumers. Prey species must be established before the environment is suitable for predators.