What happens to the plant community following a disturbance?

Following a disturbance, pioneer species typically colonize the area first. This is a fundamental concept in ecology known as succession. Disturbances, such as fires, floods, or human activities, can create areas where the existing plant community has been disrupted. In these newly available spaces, pioneer species—such as lichens, mosses, and certain hardy herbaceous plants—are among the first to take hold. They are well-adapted to survive in harsh conditions, often having traits that allow them to thrive in disturbed environments or exploit bare substrates.

These pioneer species play a crucial role in soil stabilization, improving soil quality, and creating microhabitats that make the environment more suitable for other species to establish over time. As these pioneer species die off or alter the environment, they pave the way for intermediate and eventually climax communities through a process known as ecological succession.

This process highlights the resilience of ecosystems and their ability to recover from disturbances, differing significantly from the notion that communities remain unchanged or that only invasive species thrive afterward.