Primary & Secondary Succession
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Primary Succession: The Sahara Desert was once a vast, lifeless open space. Over time short shrubs and vegetation formed from the heavy winds. As this happened, many different types of plants began to form over time and animals started coming into this open area as their new habitat. Seeing as there was newly formed, untouched vegetation forming, many animals found the opportunity to start new populations there. As more plants and animals arrived over many years, the once lifeless space became an important ecosystem. Although the Sahara has a relatively low number of organisms, it took many years of gradual growth to become this way.
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Secondary Succession: Disturbances are plentiful in the Sahara Desert. Common forms of disturbance include fires, cold weather, and occasionally flooding when it rains, which is often. When these types of things occur, habitats are destroyed and sometimes organisms can die. These disturbances are followed by gradual build-up of vegetation. Populations are able to rise up again and eventually the ecosystem is as strong as ever.