Final answer:
Ecological succession is the pattern of change in an ecosystem that occurs after it has been disturbed or is newly formed, including processes such as primary and secondary succession, especially following events like fires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of change that occurs on a surface where an ecosystem has previously existed is known as ecological succession. This process can be observed as short-term changes like seasonal variations or long-term changes such as the melting of glaciers. There are two types of succession: primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas and sees a gradual increase in the variety of living organisms, and secondary succession, which takes place after an ecosystem disturbance. For example, after a fire destroys plant life in a forest, a new set of species will gradually replace the previous community. Over time, this leads to a change in the landscape pattern with significant ecological implications.