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An earthquake occurs and exposes fresh rock
step 1 -
Plants and animals are all competing for resources
resources could include food, shelter, or water -
Lichens come in and invade the rocks and decompose them into soil
The lichens are the pioneer species -
Plant seeds from surrounding environments are introduced into the area. The new plants begin to grow.
These plants could be grasses, trees, shrubs, etc.
The plants use the eutrophication to help them grow. -
Animals slowly start finding the new environment. The new plants provide food for some animals and shelter for others.
As more animals come into the new area, the environment starts to grow bigger into a climax community. -
Starting out as a brand new environment is called primary succession