Which statement accurately describes ecological succession?

Answer

Ecological succession is the sequential emergence and disappearance of species in an ecosystem over time. It can occur as primary succession on newly exposed land with pioneer species colonising first, or as secondary succession after a disturbance leaves remnants of previous communities. Both types lead to a stable climax community.

Explanation

Ecological succession, a concept in Biology, refers to the sequential appearance and disappearance of species within an ecosystem over time. This process can be categorised into two types, primary and secondary succession.

Primary Succession and Pioneer Species

In Primary Succession, this sequence begins in newly exposed or formed land, like the land formed from volcanic lava. Here, hardy plants with few soil requirements, called pioneer species, are the first to colonise, ultimately aiding in the creation of soil where other species can thrive.

Secondary Succession

Secondary Succession occurs when part of an established ecosystem is disturbed, leaving remnants of the previous community. For instance, in a forest cleared by a wildfire, the nutrients of burned plants and animals are returned to the ground in the form of ash. This paves the way for the rapid regrowth of the community. Both primary and secondary succession lead to a climax community, which is a relatively stable and self-perpetuating community that remains until the next significant disturbance.