ETYM Cf. French colonisation.
In ecology, the spread of species into a new habitat, such as a freshly cleared field, a new highway verge, or a recently flooded valley. The first species to move in are called pioneers, and may establish conditions that allow other animals and plants to move in (for example, by improving the condition of the soil or by providing shade). Over time a range of species arrives and the habitat matures; early colonizers will probably be replaced, so that the variety of animal and plant life present changes. This is known as succession. The act of colonizing; SYN. colonisation, settlement.
(Alternate spelling: colonisation).