Based on summation of direct and indirect disturbances caused by highway construction

the changes of non-biological components (such as soils

landforms and weather)

biological components (on levels of individual

population and community) and the whole ecosystem characteristics (structure and functions) caused by highway construction were discussed.The changing trends of ecosystem succession and vegetation types were analyzed.The index system of the ecosystem changes caused by highway construction was set up from the aspect s of ecosystem structure and functions.The mechanisms of ecosystem changes were discussed.It was pointed out that disturbances of highway construction made non-biological and biological components change;disturbances of highway construction and the changes of non-biological and biological components made structure and functions of ecosystem change;and eventually the changes of ecosystem succession and vegetation types ocurred.