Regeneration (ecology)

Process

Regeneration occurs in an ecosystem in response to organisms, principally plants, being eaten, disturbed, or harvested. Regeneration's biggest force is photosynthesis which transforms solar energy and nutrients into plant biomass. Resilience to minor disturbances is one characteristic feature of healthy ecosystems. Following major (lethal) disturbances, such as a fire or pest outbreak in a forest, an immediate return to the previous dynamic equilibrium will not be possible. Instead, pioneering species will occupy, compete for space, and establish themselves in the newly opened habitat. The new growth of seedlings and community assembly process is known as regeneration in ecology.