1. Chapter 10Chapter 10
EcologicalEcological
RestorationRestorationEcological SuccessionEcological Succession
Natural recovery (to state prior to humanNatural recovery (to state prior to human
disturbance) is possible if damage is notdisturbance) is possible if damage is not
too greattoo great
Must have a good understanding ofMust have a good understanding of
natural succession to facilitate recoverynatural succession to facilitate recovery

2.  Two kinds ofTwo kinds of
succession:succession:
 Primary successionPrimary succession::
establishment of anestablishment of an
ecosystem where thereecosystem where there
was none beforewas none before
Retreating glaciers
Sand dune succession
Volcano

3.  Secondary successionSecondary succession: reestablishment of an: reestablishment of an
ecosystem following disturbanceecosystem following disturbance
On an abandoned clearing or after a fire

4. Patterns of Species ChangePatterns of Species Change
During SuccessionDuring Succession
 FacilitationFacilitation::
 InterferenceInterference::
 Life History DifferencesLife History Differences::
 Chronic PatchinessChronic Patchiness::

5. Chemical CyclingChemical Cycling
 Organic matter:Organic matter:

Organic matter is soil’s best
friend!

7.  Soils store more chemical elements thanSoils store more chemical elements than
living things, but cycle much more slowlyliving things, but cycle much more slowly
 In mature ecosystems more elementsIn mature ecosystems more elements
are stored in the trees/flora and soils mayare stored in the trees/flora and soils may
be very poor.be very poor.

8. Sand is larger
Holds less nutrients
Clay particles are very
small and hold more
nutrients
Importance of surface area

9.  Disturbances, such as fire, returnDisturbances, such as fire, return
elements to soil (highly water soluble) forelements to soil (highly water soluble) for
rapid re-growthrapid re-growth
 Uprooted trees, from storms:Uprooted trees, from storms:

10. Restoration is…Restoration is…
 More difficult on lands that have…More difficult on lands that have…
 Lost organic matter due to leaching,Lost organic matter due to leaching,
overuse…overuse…
 been subjected to:been subjected to:

11. What’s the ultimateWhat’s the ultimate
fate?fate?
 Climax state:Climax state:
 Does it last forever with no disturbance?Does it last forever with no disturbance?
 OROR
 Gradual loss of nutrients in soil, slowGradual loss of nutrients in soil, slow
biological deteriorationbiological deterioration

12. Possible Answer:Possible Answer:
 Seems to be a balance betweenSeems to be a balance between
 AndAnd
 Addition of nutrientsAddition of nutrients into ecosystem as livinginto ecosystem as living
things grow and die and decaythings grow and die and decay
 The climax state appears not to existThe climax state appears not to exist
indefinitelyindefinitely
 Deterioration appears to occurDeterioration appears to occur