Plant succession

Plant succession is the natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It typically starts with pioneer species, like grasses or lichens, colonizing bare or disturbed land. These plants improve the soil, allowing larger species, such as shrubs and trees, to thrive. As these plants grow and die, they enrich the soil further, enabling a diverse community of flora to establish. This process can take years to centuries, ultimately leading to a mature and stable ecosystem, such as a forest, where species interact in a balanced way. Succession illustrates nature's ability to recover and evolve.