A study of ecological succession on a selected beach of Sturgeon Bay, Michigan.

Abstract

The results of this study indicate that succession is occurring but perhaps at different rates in different places. These different rates of succession are created by varying amounts of environmental disturbance. As the disturbance increases (e.g., blowouts), the successional rate slows down or is often set back. This causes the microhabitat in the disturbed area to be harsh resulting in low species diversity. If the disturbance continues, the vegetation may remain in distinct zones. On the other hand, if environmental disturbances in adjacent microhabitats to the ones being disturbed decrease due to the fluctuating and fortuitous immigration of plants, successional rates may increase. Therefore, depending on the exact location of the transect, varying results can be attained with respect to successional rates. My four transects were placed (with bias) in a somewhat linear row perpendicular to the shoreline which excluded surrounding disturbed microhabitats. Consequently, data was generated which, for the most part, supports the concept that succession is occurring. Perhaps it is these linear bands of succeeding vegetation which will eventually advance into the adjacent disturbed microhabitats resulting in a broad vegetational band advancing towards the shore.