succession

Succession is the change from one community type to another. This can be seen where, for example, an agricultural field changes from an open meadow into a shrub land and, if left untouched, eventually forest. Natural disturbances (flooding, ice storms, fire) can stop or reverse succession. As trees, shrubs and organic material are removed, other plants needing open conditions grow. Some habitats, including alvars, depend on disturbances to maintain them. If succession in these places continues, native plants and animals may be lost.