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Community Dynamics definitions

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  • Disturbance
    A short-lived event that disrupts community structure and function, altering resource availability and species opportunities.
  • Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
    A concept proposing that moderate disruption levels foster the highest species diversity by allowing coexistence of various competitors.
  • Species Diversity
    A measure reflecting both the number of species and their relative abundance within a community.
  • Competitive Exclusion Principle
    A concept stating that superior competitors dominate, excluding weaker ones when resources are limited.
  • Ecological Succession
    A gradual process where community structure changes over time, often following disturbances.
  • Climax Community
    The most stable stage of succession, where changes continue but at a much slower rate.
  • Primary Succession
    A process beginning in lifeless areas without soil, such as after volcanic activity or glacial retreat.
  • Secondary Succession
    A recovery process in areas where soil remains after a disturbance, allowing faster community reestablishment.
  • Pioneer Species
    The first organisms to colonize barren environments, often tolerating harsh abiotic conditions and aiding soil formation.
  • Soil Formation
    A slow process crucial for primary succession, enabling later plant colonization and community development.
  • Intermediate Community
    A transitional stage in succession, featuring a mix of grasses, perennials, shrubs, and shade-intolerant trees.
  • Facilitation
    A process where early species improve conditions, making it easier for later species to establish.
  • Tolerance
    A scenario where existing species neither help nor hinder the arrival of new species during succession.
  • Inhibition
    A situation where present species prevent the establishment or regrowth of other species in the community.
  • Disturbance Frequency
    How often disruptive events occur, influencing community structure and species diversity.