Succession
- Succession is the changing of an ecosystem due to different natural causes. There are two different types of succession: primary and secondary. Primary succession is when an ecosystem begins to form where there is no soil. Secondary succession is when an immature ecosystem where there is little life or complexity becomes a more mature, complex ecosystem. An example of this would be a field turning into a forest. A completely mature ecosystem is called a climax community, and this is when an ecosystem reaches it’s peak maturity and diversity.
- Successional changes affect the environment. They are constantly changing the different ecosystems within an environment. They help sustain species because even when a community ceases to exist, another one pops up and becomes the new ecosystem in an area. They can also help organisms evolve because as ecosystems change, typically some of the organisms in that area adapt to the changes.
- Successional changes affect the Leatherback Sea Turtle. The LST is one of the most mobile organisms in the ocean. When successional changes occur, ecosystems are affected. If the LST’s food source is affected, he/she must leave and search for another viable food source. Also, a Leatherback Sea Turtle must also adjust to different beaches that have gone through different phases of succession in order to find a suitable place to lay her eggs.