ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Autogenic succession

Okay, imagine a big empty field with no plants or animals in it. This is like a blank canvas for nature to paint on. As time goes by, different things start to grow in the field. This is called autogenic succession.

At first, small plants like grass and wildflowers start to grow. They don't need much space or nutrients to live, so they can survive in the bare soil. As they grow, they make the soil richer and more fertile, which means bigger plants can start to grow too.

As the plants get bigger, they start to attract animals like insects and birds. These animals help spread seeds and pollen, which means even more plants can grow. Over time, the field becomes a diverse ecosystem with lots of different plants and animals living in it.

Autogenic succession is like a big puzzle where different pieces fit together perfectly to create a beautiful picture. It happens all the time in nature, and it's amazing to see how things can grow and change over time.