Question

Name the pioneer and the climax species in a water body. Mention the changes observed in the biomass and the biodiversity of the successive seral communities developing in the water body.

Answer 1

Succession initiated with the eestablishment of pioneer communities in a wet area is termed as hydrarch succession. Stages involved in hydrarch succession progresses from hydric to mesic condition and finally to a climax community is as follows:

a) In the initial stage, phytoplanktons began to multiply in the pond water and they qucikly becomes the pioneer colonizers.

b) The free-floating angiosperms replaces the small phytoplanktons.

c) The free-floating angiosperms are then replaced by rooted, submerged hydrophytes like Hydrilla, Potamogeton, Vallisneria, etc.

d) After, the species of Cyperaceae and Gramineae such as Carex, Juncus, etc colonize the area. They form a mat-like vegetation with the help of their branched rhizomatous system.

e) In the final stage, the species of shrubs and a variety of trees becomes dominant and forms the climax community.