Question

Starting from the pioneer species, trace the sequence that follows in an ecological succession on a bare rock, until climax community is reached in an ecosystem. Name this type of succession. [3 marks]

Answer 1

The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species, which are usually lichens. These later pave the way to some very small plants like bryophytes, and with time, are succeeded by bigger plants, and after several more stages, ultimately a stable climax forest community is formed. [2 marks]

This type of succession that starts from bare rock is known as primary succession. [1 mark]