Question

a) Colonization of a rocky terrain is a natural process. Mention the group of organisms which invade this area first. Give an example.
b) Over the years, it has been observed that some of the lakes are disappearing due to urbanization. In absence of human interference, depict by making a flow chart, how do the successional seres progress from hydric to mesic condition.
c) Identify the climax community of hydrarch and xerarch succession. [5]

Answer 1

a) Pioneer species on the rocky terrain is Lichen. [1]

b) Phytoplankton ( Hydric Stage)
$\downarrow$
Reed-swamp stage
$\downarrow$
Submerged plant stage
$\downarrow$
Marsh-meadow stage
$\downarrow$
Submerged free floating plant stage
$\downarrow$
Scrub stage
$\downarrow$
Forest ( Mesic stage)

Fig: Flowchart representing the successional seres progress from hydric to mesic condition. [3]

c) Forest is the climax community of hydrarch and xerarch succession. [1]