Plant Succession: An Analysis of the Development of Vegetation
Plant communities develop through predictable successional stages
Foundational work establishing the organismal concept of succession and climax theory that dominated early 20th century ecology. Clements proposed that plant communities develop through predictable stages toward a stable 'climax' community determined by regional climate.
While modern ecology has revised Clements' climax concept (recognizing multiple stable states rather than single endpoints), his core insight that succession follows predictable patterns driven by environmental modification remains foundational. The business application draws directly from Clements' observation that pioneer species modify conditions in ways that enable successor species while making themselves less competitive.
Key Findings from Clements & Clements (1916)
- Plant communities develop through predictable successional stages
- Pioneer species modify environment enabling later species
- Succession progresses toward climax community
- Environmental conditions determine successional trajectory
- Vegetation develops through predictable sequential stages
- Each stage creates conditions enabling the next
- Succession proceeds toward stable 'climax' community
- Pioneer species are replaced by shade-tolerant species
Used in 2 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
Foundational work establishing organismal concept of succession - plant communities develop through predictable stages driven by environmental modification.
See succession theory foundations →Classical foundation introducing predictable, sequential community development toward stable 'climax' communities.
See succession stages →