JAMB - Biology (2000 - No. 28)

Ecological succession is the development of species after a disaster that destroys an ecosystem. The relationship between species diversity and succession is important for conserving large areas of old-growth habitats. Ecological succession typically increases species diversity. During early succession, new species arrive, increasing diversity. For example, after a wildfire, small plants like mosses and other pioneer species grow on the barren soil, breaking it down into soil that other plants can use. - A