succession
suk-SESH-un
/səkˈsɛʃən/
The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.
Describes predictable ecological development, such as weeds colonizing bare ground followed by shrubs and forest.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'successio' (a coming after or following). Ecologists adapted it to describe how biological communities systematically follow one another on land.
Word relationships
- progression: Progression is generic forward movement, while succession implies sequential stage-by-stage ecological replacement.
Commonly confused with
- sequence: A sequence is any set order, whereas ecological succession involves living species modifying their habitat over time.
Word family
- successional (adjective): Relating to or occurring in ecological succession.
- succeed (verb): To come next in order or replace.
Collocations
- primary succession
- secondary succession
- ecological succession
- stages of succession
Example sentences
- "After the forest fire cleared the valley, primary ecological succession began with lichens and mosses." Forest ecology
Memory hook
SUCCESSION = plant community SUCCESSORS following one another. Nature's step-by-step rebuilding process.
When not to use
In ecological contexts, avoid confusing with political succession (kings/presidents taking power), though the underlying core concept of sequential order is shared.
Fun facts
- Secondary succession after a fire occurs much faster than primary succession on volcanic rock because soil already exists.
Related words
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