Succession and climatic climax as illustrated by lithoseres and hydroseres
Ecosystems change gradually over time as one community replaces another. This process, called succession, ends at a climatic climax — the most stable ecosystem a local climate can support.
Real World
Thurstaston on the Wirral Peninsula shows a classic lithosere: bare sandstone exposed after coastal erosion is now colonised by lichens, then mosses, progressing toward scrub and eventually oak woodland over decades.
Exam Focus
Always name the seral stages in order and state what environmental change each stage causes to enable the next community.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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