Final answer:
The first phase of succession in lakes and wetlands is primary succession, where life starts anew on previously uninhabited land. Pioneer species like microorganisms and certain wetland plants initiate the ecosystem development, which can eventually lead to complex communities with diverse flora and fauna.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Succession in Lakes and Wetlands
The first phase of succession in lakes and wetlands falls under primary succession. This occurs in newly exposed or newly formed landscapes where life has not previously existed and begins with the establishment of pioneer species. In these aquatic ecosystems, primary succession often starts with the colonization by microorganisms and algae that can live in water. Over time, as soil begins to form and conditions become favorable, other wetland plants with hydrophytic vegetation take root, eventually leading to more complex plant and animal communities. The successional stages develop gradually, sometimes taking hundreds or even thousands of years, to transform an area into a fully established wetland with hydric soils, characteristic hydrology, and a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Examples of Succession in Wetlands
In contexts where a lake slowly fills in with sediment or organic matter, emergent vegetation like sedges and reeds may be among the pioneers, gradually making the environment suitable for other wetland species. In these scenarios, the soil is eventually formed with characteristic wetland properties, such as being periodically or permanently saturated with water. The gradual increase in organic material enables a transition to a marsh or swamp, showing a clear progression from open water to a wetland system supporting a variety of life forms.