In ecology, allogenic succession is succession driven by the abiotic components of an ecosystem.[1] In contrast, autogenic succession is driven by the biotic components of the ecosystem.[1] An allogenic succession can be initiated in a number of ways which can include:
- Volcanic eruptions
- Meteor or comet strike
- Flooding
- Drought
- Earthquakes
- Non-anthropogenic climate change[2]
Allogenic succession can happen on a time scale that is proportionate with the disturbance. For example, allogenic succession that is the result of non-anthropogenic climate change can happen over thousands of years.[3]