Allogenic succession

In ecology, allogenic succession is succession driven by the abiotic components of an ecosystem. In contrast, autogenic succession is driven by the biotic components of the ecosystem. An allogenic succession can be initiated in a number of ways which can include:

Allogenic succession can happen on a time scale that is proportionate with the disturbance. For example, allogenic succession that is the result of non-anthropogenic climate change can happen over thousands of years.

Allogenic succession can also vary widely in spatial scale. Some disturbances, like landslides or localized floods, affect only small patches of land and initiate short-term successional processes. Others, such as glaciation or long-term tectonic shifts, can transform entire regions over millennia.

Human activities are also a major source of allogenic disturbance. Anthropogenic events, like deforestation, urbanization, mining, and agriculture, alter abiotic conditions like soil structure, water availability, and microclimates. These changes can trigger succession by creating new environments for colonization. For example, strip mining can expose bare substrate, initiating a succession that begins with pioneer species.

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