A climax community is characterized by a stable composition of plant and animal species. This means that over time, the community has reached a balance where the different species are able to coexist and maintain a relatively constant population size. The community has reached a state of equilibrium where the different species have found their niche and are able to survive and reproduce. Unlike earlier stages of succession, where there are rapid changes in the composition of species, a climax community has reached a state of balance where the number of species remains relatively constant. Although there may be some gradual changes in animal population, the overall structure of the community remains stable.