'How do the processes of colonisation and succession lead to the establishment of a climax community.'
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- Mon Jan 05 2004

... 'How do the processes of colonisation and succession lead to the establishment of a climax community.' Succession is the progressive change, which occurs in a community of organisms over a period of time. Succession starts with the initial colonisation of an area and usually progresses through several distinct stages before reaching a stable climax community. A succession which is prevented from reaching its natural climax (usually as a result of human activity) is called a deflected succession. Colonisation is the term used to refer to the first community that settles on the potential site for succession. One example of colonisation and succession is the potential site of bare rock. Bare rock is a very harsh environment, but as the rock gets weathered, soil particles gather in cracks so that mosses and other small, shallow-rooted plants can get a hold. These are the pioneer colonisers of bare rock. Lichens are














