What Are The Two Types Of Succession

Succession, in its broadest sense, refers to the process of one person or thing taking over the role or position of another. This concept is fundamental in various fields, from biology and ecology to business and politics. Understanding the different types of succession is crucial for comprehending how systems evolve and maintain stability over time. While succession can manifest in numerous ways depending on the context, two primary types stand out: natural succession and artificial succession.

Natural Succession

Natural succession is the ecological process by which a biological community evolves over time. It's a gradual change in species structure and composition in a given area. This process occurs due to various natural factors, such as climate change, geological events, and the interactions among species. Natural succession is often categorized into two main types: primary and secondary succession.

Primary Succession

Primary succession occurs in environments where new land is formed or exposed, and no soil exists. This means there is no existing community or organic matter to begin with. Examples of areas where primary succession can occur include:

• Newly formed volcanic islands: When volcanoes erupt and create new landmasses in the ocean, these barren landscapes are devoid of life.
• Glacial retreats: As glaciers recede, they leave behind exposed rock surfaces that have been scraped clean of any soil or organic material.
• Sand dunes: The constant movement of sand by wind can create new dune formations where no stable soil exists.
• Rock outcrops: Exposed bedrock surfaces that have been weathered and eroded over time, preventing soil formation.

The process of primary succession typically involves the following stages:

1. Pioneer Stage: The first organisms to colonize the barren environment are known as pioneer species. These are typically hardy species capable of surviving in harsh conditions with limited resources. Common pioneer species include:

   • Lichens: These symbiotic organisms, composed of fungi and algae, can break down rock surfaces and extract nutrients.
   • Mosses: Similar to lichens, mosses can colonize bare rock and begin the process of soil formation.
   • Bacteria: Various types of bacteria, including cyanobacteria, play a crucial role in fixing nitrogen and adding organic matter to the environment.

   Pioneer species help create a thin layer of soil by breaking down rock and accumulating organic matter.

2. Early Successional Stage: As the pioneer species modify the environment, they pave the way for other, less hardy species to colonize the area. This stage is characterized by the arrival of grasses, small plants, and insects. These early colonizers contribute to the development of a more complex soil structure.

3. Intermediate Successional Stage: Over time, the soil becomes richer and more fertile, allowing for the growth of shrubs, small trees, and a greater diversity of plant and animal life. The intermediate stage is marked by increased competition among species for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.

4. Climax Community: The final stage of primary succession is the establishment of a climax community. This is a stable, self-sustaining community that is well-adapted to the local environmental conditions. The climax community is often dominated by mature trees, such as oak, maple, or beech, depending on the climate and region. The climax community represents the endpoint of ecological succession, where the ecosystem has reached a state of equilibrium.

Secondary Succession

Secondary succession occurs in areas where an existing community has been disturbed or destroyed, but the soil remains intact. This means that there is already a seed bank, organic matter, and nutrients present in the soil, which allows for a faster recovery of the ecosystem compared to primary succession. Examples of events that can lead to secondary succession include:

• Wildfires: Although destructive, wildfires can clear out vegetation and create opportunities for new growth. The ash left behind provides nutrients to the soil.
• Deforestation: When forests are cleared for agriculture or other purposes, the abandoned land undergoes secondary succession.
• Floods: Flooding can inundate areas with sediment and debris, disrupting existing communities and creating opportunities for new species to colonize.
• Abandoned agricultural land: When farmland is no longer cultivated, it can revert to a natural state through secondary succession.

The process of secondary succession typically involves the following stages:

1. Initial Colonization: The first species to colonize the disturbed area are often fast-growing, opportunistic plants known as r-strategists. These plants are characterized by their ability to reproduce quickly and disperse their seeds widely. Common examples include weeds, grasses, and wildflowers.
2. Establishment of Shrubs and Trees: As the initial colonizers modify the environment, they create conditions that are favorable for the growth of shrubs and trees. These plants tend to be slower-growing than the initial colonizers but are more competitive in the long run.
3. Development of a Forest Canopy: Over time, the trees grow taller and form a canopy, which shades out the understory vegetation. The composition of the forest canopy depends on the local climate and soil conditions. In some areas, the canopy may be dominated by deciduous trees, while in others, it may be dominated by coniferous trees.
4. Climax Community: The final stage of secondary succession is the establishment of a climax community. This is a stable, self-sustaining community that is well-adapted to the local environmental conditions. The climax community may be similar to the community that existed before the disturbance, or it may be different depending on the nature of the disturbance and the surrounding landscape.

Artificial Succession

Artificial succession, also known as induced or human-mediated succession, refers to changes in an ecosystem or social structure that are primarily driven by human intervention. Unlike natural succession, which is a gradual process driven by natural forces, artificial succession is often rapid and can have significant impacts on the environment and society. This type of succession can be intentional, aimed at achieving specific goals, or unintentional, resulting from unintended consequences of human activities.

Ecological Context

In an ecological context, artificial succession involves deliberate actions to alter the trajectory of an ecosystem's development. This can include practices such as:

• Reforestation: Planting trees in areas that have been deforested to accelerate the recovery of forest ecosystems.
• Habitat Restoration: Restoring degraded habitats, such as wetlands or grasslands, to their natural state through active management.
• Controlled Burns: Using prescribed fires to manage vegetation and reduce the risk of wildfires, mimicking natural fire regimes.
• Introduction of Species: Introducing non-native species to an area to fill ecological niches or control invasive species (though this can have unintended consequences).
• Urban Planning: Designing urban landscapes to promote biodiversity and ecological function, such as creating green spaces and wildlife corridors.

These interventions can significantly alter the species composition, structure, and function of ecosystems. For example, reforestation efforts can quickly establish a forest canopy, providing habitat for wildlife and improving soil quality. However, if the wrong species are planted or the management practices are not sustainable, the long-term health and resilience of the ecosystem may be compromised.

Social and Organizational Context

In social and organizational contexts, artificial succession refers to the deliberate process of transferring leadership, power, or knowledge from one individual or group to another. This is particularly relevant in:

• Business: Succession planning is a critical aspect of business management, ensuring the smooth transition of leadership and key roles within a company. This involves identifying and developing potential successors, providing them with the necessary training and experience, and gradually transferring responsibilities to them.
• Politics: Political succession involves the transfer of power from one leader to another, either through elections, appointments, or other mechanisms. This process can be highly contested and can have significant implications for the stability and direction of a country or political organization.
• Family Businesses: Passing on a family business to the next generation is a unique form of succession that involves both business and personal considerations. This process requires careful planning and communication to ensure the continued success of the business and the preservation of family relationships.
• Academia: Succession in academic institutions involves the transfer of knowledge, skills, and research expertise from senior faculty members to junior faculty members and students. This process is essential for maintaining the continuity of research programs and the advancement of knowledge.

Intentional vs. Unintentional Artificial Succession

Artificial succession can be either intentional or unintentional, depending on whether the changes are deliberately planned or are the result of unintended consequences.

• Intentional Artificial Succession: This involves deliberate actions to achieve specific goals. Examples include:

  • Ecological Restoration Projects: These projects aim to restore degraded ecosystems to their natural state through active management.
  • Succession Planning in Business: Companies develop succession plans to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and key roles.
  • Political Reforms: Political leaders may implement reforms to change the structure of government or the distribution of power.

• Unintentional Artificial Succession: This occurs when human activities have unintended consequences that alter the trajectory of an ecosystem or social structure. Examples include:

  • Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the decline of native species.
  • Climate Change: Human activities that contribute to climate change can alter ecosystems and lead to shifts in species distribution.
  • Technological Disruptions: Technological advancements can disrupt industries and lead to changes in employment patterns and social structures.

Key Differences Between Natural and Artificial Succession

Examples of Succession in Different Contexts

To further illustrate the concepts of natural and artificial succession, here are some specific examples:

Ecological Succession: The Case of Mount St. Helens

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 provided a unique opportunity to study ecological succession. The eruption devastated the surrounding landscape, creating a barren environment similar to that found in primary succession. Scientists have been monitoring the recovery of the ecosystem since the eruption, documenting the arrival of pioneer species, the development of soil, and the return of plant and animal life.

• Primary Succession: On the Pumice Plain, a large area covered by volcanic ash, primary succession is occurring. Pioneer species such as lupines and fireweed are colonizing the barren landscape, breaking down the ash and adding organic matter to the soil.
• Secondary Succession: In areas that were disturbed but not completely destroyed by the eruption, secondary succession is occurring. Remnants of the pre-eruption forest, such as surviving trees and buried seeds, have allowed for a faster recovery of the ecosystem.

Business Succession: The Case of Apple Inc.

The succession of leadership at Apple Inc. provides a compelling example of artificial succession in a business context. When Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO in 2011, Tim Cook took over the role. This was the result of a carefully planned succession process, with Jobs grooming Cook for the position over several years.

• Intentional Succession: The succession of Tim Cook as CEO was a deliberate decision aimed at ensuring the continued success of Apple. Cook had a proven track record as Chief Operating Officer and was well-versed in Apple's culture and values.
• Impact on the Company: Under Cook's leadership, Apple has continued to thrive, launching new products, expanding into new markets, and maintaining its position as one of the world's most valuable companies.

Social Succession: Generational Changes in Cultural Values

Social succession occurs as cultural values, norms, and practices are transmitted from one generation to the next. This process can be both intentional, through education and socialization, and unintentional, as individuals are influenced by their environment and peers.

• Shifting Values: Over time, societal values can shift as new generations emerge with different perspectives and priorities. For example, younger generations may place a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, social justice, and work-life balance than older generations.
• Impact on Society: These shifts in values can have a profound impact on society, influencing everything from political discourse to consumer behavior to cultural trends.

Conclusion

Understanding the two primary types of succession—natural and artificial—provides valuable insights into how systems evolve over time. Natural succession is driven by ecological processes and leads to the gradual development of biological communities. Artificial succession, on the other hand, is driven by human intervention and can lead to rapid changes in ecosystems and social structures. By understanding the dynamics of both natural and artificial succession, we can better manage our environment and society to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.