Question

Choose the correct option regarding the given assertion and reason.
Assertion [A]: Primary succession occurs in a freshly harvested field.
Reason [R]: Succession always occurs over a bare area.

• A. Both the assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
• B. Both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion
• C. The assertion is true but the reason is false
• D. Both assertion and the reason are false

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both assertion and the reason are false

Ecological succession is a steady, gradual change in the composition and structure of communities of an area with the changing environment. It is predictable, sequential and occurs in accordance with the changing physical environment.

Ecological succession is of two types :

• Primary succession - Succession where a newly formed area is colonised for the first time by a species or living organisms. Such areas would have never been previously inhabited i.e it is barren and lacks fertile soil. For example, newly cooled lava, newly created pond reservoir, etc
  
• Secondary succession - Succession where natural communities develop in an area that was earlier occupied by living organisms that were somehow lost. It begins in areas where natural biotic communities have been destroyed such as in abandoned farm lands, burned or cut forests, lands that have been flooded, etc.

Hence, succession can occur on bare areas and also in areas that were previously occupied by living organisms.
Succession in freshly harvested fields is an example of secondary succession.
Therefore, both assertion and the reason are false.