A series of changes in the composition of the plant and animal life of an area beginning with the colonization of bare rock or soil by plants such as algae and lichens (a pioneer community) and ending with a stable * climax community , which is in equilibrium with the environment. Such a primary succession may take a number of years to complete. A secondary succession can occur in places where the original vegetation has been destroyed, for example on a burned heathland or woodland, and can be completed in a shorter time. See also sere. |
