Final answer:
Ecological succession is the process of community evolution over time, starting with pioneer species and going through various seral stages until it potentially reaches a climax community, which is now understood to be less of a final stage due to the dynamic nature of ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecological Succession and Climax Communities
Ecological succession is the process through which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. There are two types of succession: primary succession, which occurs on newly formed or exposed land, such as a lava flow, and secondary succession, which occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but remnants of the previous community remain.
The first organisms to colonize a new site are known as pioneer species. These are typically hardy species that can tolerate the harsh conditions of a new or disturbed environment and contribute to soil formation. For example, lichens and certain plants with few soil requirements will establish on the freshly cooled lava. Over time, they make the environment more hospitable for other species.
As succession progresses, different seral stages occur, where specific groups of plants and animals dominate the community. In a forest, this might start with grasses and perennials, progress to shrubs and pines, and finally, lead to a mature community of oak and hickory trees.
The climax community is traditionally seen as the final, stable community in the succession process. However, the concept of a climax community has evolved; ecologists now understand that ecosystems are dynamic, and disturbances that reset succession are normal. Therefore, the idea of a perpetual climax stage is no longer widely accepted.