Question

Succession can typically lead to the changes in ___

• A. Species composition of an ecosystem
• B. Stratification of an ecosystem
• C. Energy flow in an ecosystem
• D. Nutrient cycle in an ecosystem

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A Species composition of an ecosystem
B Stratification of an ecosystem

Gradual changes in the series of community or succession in an ecosystem typically changes species diversity and its richness which can be understood by following example in eastern North America, grasslands and old fields support meadowlarks, meadow mice, and grasshoppers. When woody plants, both young trees and shrubs invade , grassland animals soon disappear and shrubland animals take over. Towhees, catbirds,and goldfinches claim the thickets and meadow mice give way to white footed mice. As woody plant growth proceeds and the canopy closes, species of the shrublands decline, replaced by insects and birds of the forest canopy. As succession proceeds, new species such as tree squirrels, woodpeckers and hooded warblers appear. So, diversity and richness of species of an ecosystem varies with ecological succession.Also, the organisms are organised in a recognizable structure or pattern with a vertical zonation or layering in a community. This is known as stratification of ecosystem.