Primary Succession
Primary succession is the development of plant or animal communities in an area where no soil initially exists
Lichens play an important role in primary succession at Yellowstone after wildfires.
· Studies have shown that lichen species increases over time after a fire.
· One of the first steps in soil formation is when Lichens help break down rocks.
· There are about 367 identified species of lichens in Yellowstone.
Lichens play an important role in primary succession at Yellowstone after wildfires.
· Studies have shown that lichen species increases over time after a fire.
· One of the first steps in soil formation is when Lichens help break down rocks.
· There are about 367 identified species of lichens in Yellowstone.
Secondary Succession
Secondary succession occurs when a disturbance destroys an existing community but leaves the soil intact
After the fires of Yellowstone in 1988, the underground parts of many plants survived even though their above ground leaves and stems were burned. Many herbs, graminoids, and shrubs grew back from their surviving underground plant parts
After the fires of Yellowstone in 1988, the underground parts of many plants survived even though their above ground leaves and stems were burned. Many herbs, graminoids, and shrubs grew back from their surviving underground plant parts
Graphics for this page were found at:
"LARRY'S RAMBLE." : 2011-04-24. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2012.
"LARRY'S RAMBLE." : 2011-04-24. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2012.