climax vegetation

views updated May 23 2018

climax vegetation If a bare surface becomes available for colonization by plants, the vegetation will pass through a succession of so-called seral stages as more complex communities replace the earlier, simpler ones. Ultimately a state of equilibrium or climax is reached, which may reflect predominantly the control of climate, soil, or humans. See also climax community and climax theory.

climax vegetation

views updated Jun 11 2018

climax vegetation If a bare surface becomes available for colonization by plants, the vegetation will pass through a succession of so-called seral stages as more complex communities replace the earlier, simpler ones. Ultimately a state of equilibrium or climax is reached, which may reflect predominantly the control of climate, soil, or humans. See also CLIMAX COMMUNITY and CLIMAX THEORY.