The concept of “ecological succession” is usually explained as the “change in species composition as an ecosystem ages“.

For example, grass-dominated lands turn into shrub-dominated lands, which eventually turn into forests.

This isn’t wrong. However, it’s not the whole truth.

I’m guessing that definition is just the tl;dr version of ecological succession. Realize, though, that there’s more to the concept than one community of species replacing another.

I think a better “summary” of ecological succession is this: younger ecosystems focus on building themselves up, and older ecosystems focus on maintaining what they already have. In short, GROWTH –> MAINTENANCE.

Of course, lots of concepts relate to ecological succession.

Because a picture paints a thousand words, I’ve created this mind map to help wrap our minds around the concept. I made this mind map for a course in the first semester of my graduate studies in UPLB. And now, I share this to you all!

You may save this in your phone or computer. You may use this in your Powerpoint Presentations. Heck, you may put this in a paper you’re writing.

Just don’t forget to credit the artist (hint: that’s me, Louis Balbino). Capiche?

But if you need a non-watermarked version for whatever reason, shoot me an e-mail so we can discuss terms. Still credit me, though.

Anyway, hope this mind map helps you in any way!