what are the different factors involved in succession in different Ecosystems The two major ecosystem

are the Aquatic and Terrestrial ecosystemFactors involved in succession in Terestrial Ecosystem 1.
Abiotic Factors:• Climate: Temperature, precipitation, sunlight, and wind patterns play a crucial role in
determining which species can survive and thrive in a given location. For instance, a hot, dry desert
climate will favor drought-resistant plants, while a temperate rainforest climate will support tall, broad-
leaved trees.• Topography: Landforms, such as slopes, elevation, and the presence of hills and valleys,
influence soil formation, water drainage, and microclimates. A steep slope might have faster runoff,
leading to drier conditions, while a valley might accumulate more moisture, supporting different
vegetation.• Soil: The characteristics of the soil, including its composition, texture, pH, nutrient content,
and organic matter, significantly impact the success of different plant species. For example, sandy soils
are well-drained but may be low in nutrients, while clay soils retain moisture but can become
compacted.• Disturbance: Natural disturbances, like fire, floods, windstorms, or volcanic eruptions, can
reset the succession process, creating opportunities for new species to colonize. The frequency and
severity of disturbances play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of succession.2. Biotic Factors•
Species Availability: The types of species present in the surrounding area influence which species are
likely to colonize a disturbed site. For example, if a seed bank of certain plant species is present in the
soil, these species will be more likely to emerge after a disturbance.• Competition: Species compete for
resources like light, water, and nutrients, affecting the dominance of different species at different stages
of succession. Some species might be better at acquiring resources in the early stages, while others
might thrive in later stages as the environment becomes more complex.• Facilitation: Early colonizers
often modify the environment in ways that make it easier for other species to establish. For example,
nitrogen-fixing bacteria can increase the nutrient availability in soil, benefiting subsequent plant
species.• Inhibition: Some species can prevent others from establishing, slowing down the succession
process. This might occur through allelopathy (releasing chemicals that inhibit other species) or by
creating shade that prevents sunlight from reaching other plants.• Chance: Random events, like the
arrival of new species through wind or animal dispersal, or the chance survival of certain individuals, can
also influence the direction of succession.3. Succession in Different Terrestrial Ecosystems:• Forest
Succession: After a disturbance, pioneer species like grasses and shrubs might initially colonize. Over
time, shade-tolerant trees like maples and oaks may dominate, creating a mature forest. Disturbances
like fire can play a significant role, favoring fire-adapted species.• Grassland Succession: Succession in
grasslands is often driven by grazing pressure and fire frequency. Different grasses and wildflowers
might dominate at different stages.• Coastal Dune Succession: Succession on coastal dunes is influenced
by wind, salt spray, and sand movement. Grasses and shrubs gradually stabilize the dunes, creating a
more stable habitat.Factors involved in succession in aquatic ecosystem Succession in aquatic
ecosystems, just like in terrestrial ones, is a dynamic process of change in species composition and
community structure over time. However, the factors driving this change are unique to the watery
environment. Here are some key factors involed in succession in aquatic Ecosystem 1. Water Depth and
Light Availability:• Light Penetration: Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, and its penetration into
the water column is a major driver of succession. As water depth increases, light availability decreases,
limiting the types of plants and algae that can survive.• Succession Stages: In shallow areas with
abundant light, submerged plants and algae flourish. As water depth increases, only those adapted to
low-light conditions can survive, leading to a shift in dominant species.• Lake Succession: This is often
described as a progression from a clear, open-water (oligotrophic) lake with limited nutrients to a more
nutrient-rich (eutrophic) lake with abundant plant growth and shallower depths.2. Nutrient Availability:•
Nutrient Input: Aquatic ecosystems receive nutrients from various sources like runoff from land,
atmospheric deposition, and upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean.• Algal Blooms: High nutrient
levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, can lead to algal blooms, which can have significant
impacts on water quality and oxygen levels.• Eutrophication: The process of nutrient enrichment in
water bodies often leads to a shift in community structure, favoring algae and other organisms that
thrive in nutrient-rich conditions. This can result in reduced oxygen levels and harm to fish and other
aquatic life.3. Water Flow and Current:• Flowing Waters: Rivers and streams experience continuous
water flow, influencing the distribution of organisms. Strong currents can create habitats for species
adapted to these conditions.• Sediment Transport: Water flow transports sediment, shaping the
physical structure of the riverbed and influencing the types of organisms that can survive.• Standing
Waters: Lakes and ponds, while influenced by wind-driven currents, are less dynamic than rivers,
allowing for the development of distinct plant communities.4. Temperature and Salinity:• Temperature:
Water temperature affects biological processes, influencing species distribution and growth rates.•
Salinity: The salt content of water varies significantly between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater
ecosystems. This plays a major role in shaping the types of plants and animals that can thrive in a
particular environment.• Thermocline: In lakes and oceans, temperature gradients can form, creating
distinct layers of water with different characteristics. 5. Disturbance:• Natural Disturbances: Floods,
droughts, wildfires (in some coastal ecosystems), and storms can reset the succession process in aquatic
ecosystems, creating opportunities for new species to colonize or for existing ones to adapt.• Human
Impact: Activities like dam construction, pollution, dredging, and habitat destruction can also create
significant disturbances, disrupting the natural course of succession.Examples of Aquatic Succession:•
Lake Succession: As a lake ages, it becomes more eutrophic, with sediment accumulating and plant
growth increasing, eventually leading to a marsh or terrestrial environment.• Stream Succession:
Following a disturbance like a flood, the riverbed might be cleared, allowing for new plant communities
to establish.• Coral Reef Succession: After disturbances like coral bleaching, the reef structure can
change, with different types of corals and algae becoming dominant.Apart from the terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystem which are the major ecosystem we also have other ecosystems. The following are
some types and factors that are involved in their own succession:1. Cave Ecosystems (Subterranean):•
Limited Light: The absence of sunlight restricts primary producers, meaning food webs rely on organic
matter from the surface or on chemosynthesis (using energy from chemical reactions).• Mineral
Availability: Cave ecosystems are often influenced by the availability of minerals, which might come
from groundwater or from guano (bat droppings).• Disturbance: Floods, cave-ins, and human activities
can create disturbance, resetting succession.• Species Adaptations: Cave-dwelling organisms, like
troglobites (true cave dwellers), have evolved unique adaptations, like lack of pigmentation, reduced
eyesight, and sensitivity to vibrations.2. Deep-Sea Ecosystems:• Hydrothermal Vents: These volcanic
vents release heat and chemicals, creating unique environments for chemosynthetic organisms. • Cold
Seeps: Areas where methane and hydrogen sulfide seep from the seabed, supporting specialized
ecosystems.• Disturbance: Underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like oil spills
can have significant impacts.• Pressure and Darkness: Deep-sea ecosystems are characterized by
immense pressure and darkness, requiring unique adaptations from organisms.3. Coral Reefs:• Coral
Growth: Coral reefs are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which create a calcium carbonate
structure. • Light Availability: Coral polyps need sunlight for their symbiotic algae, making light
availability a major factor. • Temperature: Coral reefs are sensitive to temperature changes, and
warming waters can cause coral bleaching, a major disturbance.• Nutrient Levels: High nutrient levels
can lead to algal blooms that smother corals. 4. Arctic and Antarctic Ecosystems:• Ice Cover: Ice cover
influences the availability of resources and habitat for organisms. • Extreme Cold: Organisms must be
adapted to survive freezing temperatures and limited sunlight. • Disturbance: Ice melt, storms, and
human activities like fishing can disrupt these sensitive ecosystems.5. Microorganisms (Soil, Water,
Air):• Resource Availability: The availability of nutrients, moisture, and energy influences the types of
microorganisms that thrive.• Competition: Microorganisms compete for resources, influencing
community structure.• Disturbance: Changes in pH, temperature, and the presence of pollutants can
disrupt microbial communities.