T10.2 Successional Trends in Vegetation

Succession is a process in which the biotic components of the ecosystem affect the physical components sufficiently to create a change. Ideally, vegetation succession begins with pioneer species colonizing bare soil or rock (e.g., soil builders such as lichens), then progresses to early-successional, shade-intolerant species, gradually to be dominated by shade-tolerant species in climax or steady-state conditions. Disturbances alter this primary-succession sequence and secondary succession occurs.

The descriptions presented in this section are generalizations of the effects that each change agent may bring about in the various vegetation types. This Topic deals with terrestrial vegetation, in particular forest species, as the most conspicuous vegetation in Nova Scotia. Figure H6I.1 in H6.I Introduction to Forest Habitats simplifies successional sequences of forest associations in Nova Scotia.

Succession also occurs in non-forested, freshwater and marine environments and is discussed in many of the Habitat sections under the heading Successional Sequence. A classic example of succession in Nova Scotia is the oldfield (see H5.2). The historical context for the anthropogenic vegetation changes is discussed in T12.10.

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Dutch Elm disease, northern-hardwood forest, lichens, mosses, aspens, woody shrubs, climax forest, clear-cutting, mixed wood forest, shade tolerant species.

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