What factor primarily triggers ecological succession?

Ecological succession is largely driven by disturbances in the ecosystem, which create opportunities for new species to establish themselves and for different communities to develop over time. Disturbances can include events such as wildfires, storms, flooding, or human activities that alter the habitat. When a disturbance occurs, it changes the availability of resources such as light, water, and nutrients, which in turn affects the species composition in that area.

In the wake of a disturbance, the process of succession begins, often starting with pioneer species that can quickly colonize the altered habitat. These species modify the environment, making it more suitable for subsequent species to thrive, leading to a sequence of changes in community structure over time.

While factors like planned human activities and random occurrences of natural disasters can play a role in succession, it is the disturbance itself that acts as the primary trigger for initiating this complex and dynamic process. Seasonal changes can influence ecological patterns, but they are typically cyclical and do not result in the same type of significant shifts in community composition that disturbances do.