Transcript Coral Reef Zonation and Succession

Coral Reef Succession
Ecological Succession
The progressive
change in the species
composition of an
ecosystem.
Ecological
Succession
New Bare Substrate
Colonizing Stage
Successionist Stage
Climax Stage
2 types of succession
SECONDARY
PRIMARY


Growth occurs on
newly exposed
surfaces where no
soil exists
Ex. Surfaces of
volcanic eruptions

Growth occurring
after a disturbance
changes a
community without
removing the soil
• For example, new land created by a volcanic
eruption is colonized by various living
organisms
• Disturbances responsible can include
cleared and plowed land, burned
woodlands
Ecological Succession on a
Coral Reef
Successional Models and their
Impacts (p.133)
• Case 1: No Disturbance
(Competitive Exclusion Model)
• Case 2: Occasional Strong Disturbance
(Intermediate Disturbance Model)
• Case 3: Constant Strong Disturbance
(Colonial Model)
Case 1: No Disturbance
(Competitive Exclusion Model)
• As the reef becomes complex, organisms
compete for space.
• Dominant organism outcompetes other
species.
• Occurs in stable environments.
• Results in low species diversity.
• Highly protected patch reefs within
lagoons or protected bays
• Deeper water
Case 2: Occasional Strong Disturbance
(Intermediate Disturbance Model)
• Storms and hurricanes allow for other
species to move in
• Dominant species would not be allowed to
reach competitive exclusion
• After each disturbance have a recovery
period
• Area of high diversity
Case 3: Constant Strong Disturbance
(Colonial Model)
• Constant exposure to disturbance
• Shallow environment
• High turnover of species
• r-selected species
Case 3
Case 2
Near reef crest
Reef slope beneath
reef crest
Case 1
Deep reef slope
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
The Big Island
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef
Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef