Succession
Succession - changing of an ecosystem over time due to natural processes
Secondary Desert Succession:
In the desert, it can be disturbed by fire, flood or land clearing. After disturbance, succession is set back, but the soil has already been developed. Secondary succession in deserts is usually quick compared to primary succession. In some deserts it can take 76 years to establish lasting plant cover and 215 years for full ecosystem recovery. If the disturbance is great enough, secondary succession may produce an entirely different climax ecosystem.
Effects on Western Diamondback Rattlesnake:
The effects that this succession would have on the rattlesnake is that it would have to wait to adjust to the new environment. It will just have to hope for the best. It could take many years for it to be able to be comfortable once again.
Succession - changing of an ecosystem over time due to natural processes
Secondary Desert Succession:
In the desert, it can be disturbed by fire, flood or land clearing. After disturbance, succession is set back, but the soil has already been developed. Secondary succession in deserts is usually quick compared to primary succession. In some deserts it can take 76 years to establish lasting plant cover and 215 years for full ecosystem recovery. If the disturbance is great enough, secondary succession may produce an entirely different climax ecosystem.
Effects on Western Diamondback Rattlesnake:
The effects that this succession would have on the rattlesnake is that it would have to wait to adjust to the new environment. It will just have to hope for the best. It could take many years for it to be able to be comfortable once again.