Ecosystems (OCR A-Level Biology A): Flashcards

Progressive change in ecological communities over time

Colonisation of land that has never supported life before

Occurs where vegetation removed but soil remains

First organisms to colonise bare substrates

Final, stable stage of natural succession

Each distinct community during succession

Maintained seral stage at early stage via human management

Primary succession on sand dunes

Enrich soil with nitrogen, allowing more demanding species in

Increases progressively until climax, then remains constant