Succession

Succession is a general term for the orderly, gradual process of following one state or holder by another. It has applications in ecology, politics, and organizational governance. In ecology, succession describes how plant and animal communities change over time in a given area, often after a disturbance.

In ecology, primary succession begins in barren environments with no soil, such as lava flows, where colonizing organisms like lichens and mosses create soil. Secondary succession occurs after disturbances that leave soil intact, such as fire or logging. Over time, pioneer species are replaced by more competitive species, leading to intermediate stages and, in many models, a mature or climax community. Timescales vary from decades to millions of years. Contemporary theory recognizes multiple possible trajectories and steady states.

In political and legal contexts, succession governs the transfer of offices and titles. In hereditary systems, successors are determined by bloodline, while elective or constitutional systems specify rules for selection, elections, or vacancies. Transitions can be orderly or contested, and interruptions can trigger interregna or constitutional crises. Examples range from monarchic succession to leadership changes in republics.

In organizations, succession planning prepares for the orderly replacement of key leaders or staff. It involves mentoring, knowledge transfer, and governance controls to maintain continuity and minimize disruption. Similar concerns arise in family businesses, religious institutions, and other structured groups, where formal policies help ensure smooth handovers and long-term resilience.