Example of Secondary Succession

Secondary succession refers to a process whereby an ecosystem is recolonized by new vegetation after disturbances like logging, fires, or other disasters. The study of secondary succession is a fascinating glimpse into the adaptability of new plant populations to exploit opportunities created by these events. Secondary succession studies are based on population development of new species in the affected area. In some cases recolonization is undertaken by seeds of the previous populations already in the soil, which are now able to germinate. In others invasive species may move in to the area, or modification of soil chemistry promotes the growth of new species instead.