Ecological Pyramids and Succession

Ecological Pyramid

A graphical representation of the relationship between different trophic levels in an ecosystem, based on the number of individuals, biomass, or energy content.

Trophic Level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, indicating its feeding relationship (e.g., producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer).

Biomass

The total mass of living organisms in a given trophic level or area, usually expressed as dry weight.

10% Law

A principle stating that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, with the remaining 90% lost primarily as heat during metabolic processes.

Ecological Succession

The gradual and predictable process of change in the species composition and community structure of an ecosystem over time.

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area where no life previously existed and no soil is present, such as bare rock, newly formed volcanic islands, or sand dunes.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area where a pre-existing community has been disturbed or destroyed (e.g., by fire, flood, or logging), but the soil or substrate remains intact.

Pioneer Species

The first species to colonize a barren or disturbed area during ecological succession, initiating the process of community development.

Seral Stage (Sere)

An intermediate stage found in an ecological succession in an ecosystem advancing towards its climax community.

Climax Community

The stable, mature, and self-perpetuating community that develops at the end of ecological succession, in equilibrium with the environmental conditions.