A small, cold creek flows through a dense forest. The trees line the banks of the creek providing shade most of the day. Algae grow well only in a few areas of the creek that receive direct sunlight. Most of the food energy enters the ecosystem in the form of dead leaves that fall from the trees. A fire swept through the forest, burning all the leaves, but leaving the trees standing. This increased the amount of direct sunlight reaching the creek. As a result of the fire, what increased in the creek? What type of succession will occur to open new available niches and resources?