Ecological succession describes the process by which the species in an ecosystem change over time following a disturbance. It can be primary succession, which occurs on new surfaces like lava flows with no previous life, or secondary succession, which follows a disruption but not destruction of an existing community like after a forest fire. Succession proceeds as pioneering species like grasses establish and modify the environment, making it possible for other plants like shrubs and trees to grow and eventually form a stable community. Examples of succession include forests reestablishing on the island of Krakatoa after its 1883 eruption destroyed all life and sand dunes transforming into forests over time along shorelines.

1. Ecological Succession