What is the term for the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time?

Succession refers to the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It describes the sequence of changes in the composition of species and the structure of a community following a disturbance or the creation of a new habitat. There are two main types of succession: primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, and secondary succession, which takes place in areas where there has been a disturbance but soil and some organisms still exist.

In the context of changes in an ecosystem, succession can lead to increased biodiversity, the development of a more complex food web, and greater stability within the ecosystem. This process is essential for the restoration of ecosystems and plays a critical role in ecological succession pathways, allowing for the evolution of new species and community structures over time.