Great Plains Studies, Center for
Date of this Version
Spring 2006
Abstract
Four primary phases to an ecosystem cycle involve the release of carbon, energy, and nutrients by insects, fire, grazing or other agents; reorganization of the primary resources by pioneer species; exploitation of resources (succession) and redevelopment of more complex ecological relationships; and storage (climax) of resources until an ecological driver initiates a new phase.
Comments
Published in Great Plains Research 16:1 (Spring 2006). Copyright © 2006 The Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Used by permission.