The Synthesis of "pioneer species"

Discover the hardy organisms that first colonize barren landscapes, kicking off the process of creating a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.

Discover keystone species, organisms that have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem, holding it together like an arch's keystone.

Speciation is the evolutionary process that creates new species, driving the biodiversity of life on Earth. Discover how it happens and why it matters.

Discover allopatric speciation, the evolutionary process where new species arise from geographic isolation. Learn how barriers create biodiversity.

Discover climax communities, the final, stable stage of ecological succession where an ecosystem reaches equilibrium with its environment.