A volcano forms in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Over time, the lava hardens, and the volcano becomes dormant. The result is a large island. Describe the initial

conditions of this environment. Describe the ecological succession which would be

observed at this location. Discuss as many stages as possible. Describe how the immigration of organisms would be possible.

1. Once the described volcanic island forms, initially its environment will not be suitable for life for most of the organisms. The island will be barren, with hard igneous rocks dominating the landscape. There will be no soil, thus no conditions for any larger plants to develop, yet alone animals. The temperature on the island will be higher because the ground will have no protective cover by vegetation, and the winds will be stronger because they will have no obstacle on the surface.

2. After the formation of the island, despite having an environment that doesn't offer proper living conditions, there will be few species of plants that will move in. The island will get into the phase of first succession. Plants like the mosses and lichens will start to cover the island and dominate the landscape, as these plants don't require soil, just enough warmth, sunlight, and moisture. These plants will set the basis for the next successions on the island.

3. There are two major successions that occur in a new environment, primary and secondary succession. The primary succession is the one when the first organisms move in in the new and empty environment. Usually it is organisms like the mosses as they don't require much to survive. The biomass from the first plants like the mosses will contribute to the formation of soil, thus setting the basis for the secondary succession. Once the soil starts forming larger plants will start to grow, such as the grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees, and once they grow lot of species of animals will move in as well, thus creating a new and rich ecosystem.

4. The immigration of the organisms to the new environment will be possible in multiple ways. The water and wind are able to move lot of organisms from one place to another, including the seeds and spores of the plants, as well as smaller animals. When there will be conditions good enough, some animals will move in by using flight, mostly birds.