1. Natural Succession:
- Pioneer Species: After a disturbance such as a fire or deforestation, pioneer species like fast-growing grasses and wildflowers colonize the area.
- Secondary Succession: Gradually, these pioneers create a favorable environment for the growth of shrubs and trees. Over time, a diverse forest ecosystem develops.
2. Growth and Competition:
- Competition for Resources: Trees compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Dominant species that adapt well outcompete others for resources.
- Canopy Structure: Over time, a layered canopy structure forms: emergent trees rise above the rest, forming an upper canopy; below are understory trees.
3. Climate and Environmental Change:
- Temperature and Precipitation: Alterations in climate affect forest composition. Some species become better adapted than others.
- Disturbances: Storms, wildfires, and droughts, as well as herbivore and insect outbreaks, affect tree populations.
4. Human Activities:
- Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, development, or resource extraction results in habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Forest Management: Some forests are managed through practices like selective harvesting, thinning, and planting, altering their structure and species composition.
