Forest Dynamics and Ecological Succession
Summary
Forest dynamics encompass the patterns and processes by which forest ecosystems change in structure, composition and functioning over time. Central to these dynamics is ecological succession, the orderly and directional replacement of species following disturbance or on newly exposed substrates. Succession typically begins with pioneer species that are adapted to high light and nutrient conditions, progressing through intermediate stages where competition intensifies, to late‐successional communities dominated by shade‐tolerant species. These trajectories are shaped by disturbance regimes (fire, windthrow, logging), biotic interactions (competition, facilitation, herbivory) and abiotic factors (soil properties, climate). Modern research also emphasises multi‐scale interactions, from gap dynamics and patch mosaics within forests to landscape and socio‐ecological influences. Understanding these processes is critical for biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, restoration of degraded lands and sustainable forest management worldwide.
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Forest Dynamics and Ecological Succession publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in forest dynamics and ecological succession across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ecological succession: The progressive change in species composition and ecosystem structure following disturbance or the creation of new substrate.
Pioneer species: Early‐colonising organisms that establish rapidly on disturbed or bare sites, often characterised by high dispersal and growth rates.
Gap dynamics: Localised disturbances within a forest canopy (e.g. treefall) that create light gaps, promoting regeneration and heterogeneity.
Disturbance regime: The characteristic pattern, frequency and intensity of disturbances that shape ecosystem structure and function over time.
Climax community: A relatively stable, late‐successional assemblage in dynamic equilibrium, conditioned by regional climate and soils.
Patch mosaic: The spatially heterogeneous arrangement of stands at different successional stages across a landscape.
Socio‐ecological systems: Integrated frameworks recognising interactions between human societies and ecological processes in shaping succession.
References
- Successional theories. Biological Reviews (2023).
- Successional shifts in tree demographic strategies in wet and dry Neotropical forests. Global Ecology and Biogeography (2023).
- Atlantic Forest Regeneration Dynamics Following Human Disturbance Cessation in Brazil. Environments (2024).
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