The document discusses colonization and succession in ecosystems. It describes how pioneer species first colonize bare areas, changing the environment and allowing later successor species to establish themselves over time. This process of species replacement during ecological succession eventually forms a stable climax community. As examples, it outlines the process of succession in mangrove swamps and ponds, with different plant species colonizing at different stages as environmental conditions become more suitable.

1. DYNAMIC ECOSYSTEM CHAPTER 8

5. Habitat A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism lives and obtains its basic resources such as food and shelter. Species A species is a group of organisms which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Population A population consists of organisms of the same species living in the same habitat at the same time. Community A community consists of different populations of plants and animals living and interacting in the habitat of an ecosystem. Niche The niche of an organism is the roles and activities of the organism in its habitat. Two organisms sharing the same habitat may have different niches.

12. The root systems of mangroves Pneumatophores of Avicennia sp. Prop roots of Rhizophora sp.

13. Buttress roots of Bruguiera sp .

20. Distribution of different mangrove species at the mouth of a river

22. Submerged plants Hydrilla sp . Elodea sp. Cabomba sp .

24. Floating plants Water lily Water hyacinth Pistia sp .

27. Amphibious plants Cyperus sp . Scirpus grossus Scirpus mucronatus