Question

Define succession. Which type of succession would occur on a clear-cut forest (where all trees have been logged) and why?

Short answer

Succession is the process of ecological change and recovery in an ecosystem following disturbance. It leads to a stable or near-stable state called the climax community. In a clear-cut forest, where all trees have been logged, secondary succession occurs. This is because the ecosystem has been disturbed, but the soil and some organisms remain, which enables the re-establishment of the original or a similar ecosystem more quickly than in primary succession.

Step-by-step solution

Define succession

Succession is the process of ecological change and recovery in an ecosystem following disturbance. It includes a series of predictable stages or changes in community structure and composition, ultimately leading to a stable or near-stable state called the climax community. There are two main types of succession: primary succession and secondary succession.

Explain primary succession

Primary succession occurs on previously uninhabited surfaces, where living organisms have not previously existed, such as after a volcanic eruption, glacier retreat, or on bare rocks. In this type of succession, there is no pre-existing soil or organic matter, and the area is considered a new habitat. Over time, pioneer species like lichens and algae colonize the area, eventually leading to the development of soil and the establishment of larger plants and eventually more complex communities.

Explain secondary succession

Secondary succession takes place in an area where a pre-existing community has been disturbed or removed, but the soil and some organisms remain intact. This can occur as a result of events like wildfires, hurricanes, or human activities such as logging or agriculture. The process of secondary succession involves the re-establishment of the original or a similar ecosystem, usually taking less time than primary succession due to the presence of soil and remaining species.

Identify the type of succession in a clear-cut forest

In the case of a clear-cut forest, where all trees have been logged, the ecosystem has been disturbed, but the soil and some organisms still remain. Therefore, the type of succession that takes place in a clear-cut forest is secondary succession.

Explain why secondary succession occurs in a clear-cut forest

Secondary succession occurs in a clear-cut forest because the ecosystem has been disrupted by logging, but the remaining soil and organisms allow for the regrowth of plants and the re-establishment of the original or a similar ecosystem. The presence of soil, seeds, and other organisms provides a foundation for new plant life to begin growing relatively quickly, compared to the much slower process of primary succession.