How would you describe forest succession to someone new to our a classroom?

Forest succession is the natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It typically begins with pioneer species, like grasses and small plants, colonizing an area after a disturbance, such as a fire or logging. As these plants grow and die, they enrich the soil, allowing larger plants, like shrubs and eventually trees, to thrive. This progression leads to a mature forest ecosystem, which can take many years or even centuries to fully develop.