Ecological succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time. Gradually, these communities replace one another until a “climax community”—like a mature ...

Classic Perspectives of Succession Succession is one of the longest-studied ecological concepts. Henry Cowles was the first ecologist to thoroughly characterize successional patterns, which he did ...

In the field of ecology, community composition changes over time. The study of succession addresses this change, which can be influenced by the environment, biotic interactions, and dispersal.

Keywords ecological succession, sandy beach, beach maple forest, Lake Michigan, pioneer species, cottonwoods, pines, oaks, climax community, soil formation, ecosystems, disturbances Email us at ...