Question

Choose the correct statement about ecological succession.

• A. It is a natural progression of plant types that cannot be reversed.
• B. It always occurs over a short period of time.
• C. The rate can be changed by factors such as fire, clear cutting, and lava flows.
• D. It only takes place on freshly cleared or new land such as islands.
• E. The rate is very slow and constant.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The rate can be changed by factors such as fire, clear cutting, and lava flows.

Succession is a process of gradual changes that starts where no living organisms are there. The species that inhabit in a bare area are called as pioneer species. A pioneer community is a group of organisms, that starts the process of biological succession (the progression of an ecosystem over time). These organisms are typically plants, animals, and fungi. However, the rate of ecological succession depends on various factors like natural disturbance (flood, forest fire and severe wind) and human based disturbance.