climax community(climax vegetation) The plants that inhabit an area within which the final stage of a succession has been reached (see climax). The community is self-perpetuating, except that changes may occur very slowly and over a time-scale that is extensive compared with the rapid and dramatic changes during the early stages of succession. See also climax theory.

climax community (climax vegetation) The final stage of a plant succession, in which vegetation reaches a state of equilibrium with the environment. The community is self-perpetuating, except that changes may occur very slowly and over a time-scale that is extensive compared with the rapid and dramatic changes during the early stages of succession. See also CLIMAX THEORY.

climax community A relatively stable ecological community that is achieved at the end of a succession.