2
Question
Which of the following seral stages of hydrarch succession is depicted in the image below?
Which of the following seral stages of hydrarch succession is depicted in the image below?
Open in App
Solution
The correct option is C Shrub stage
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.
Hydrarch succession takes place in wet areas which leads to mesic (medium water) conditions.
The sequence of communities in hydrarch succession are as follows:
- Phytoplankton stage - Phytoplankton are the pioneeer species. The death of these organisms provide organic matter or humus to the bottom layer of soil.
- Submerged stage - The water becomes shallower, and submerged rooted plants get established leading to accumulation of more organic matter.
- Free-floating stage - The plants with roots and leaves floating on the surface occupy the area. The submerged plants die and decay to further contribute to humus formation. In this stage, the water becomes shallower in the periphery of the water body.
- Reed swamp stage - The water continues to get shallower. It is now suitable for the emergence of amphibious plants like reed grasses. They also form humus and their tangles roots accumulate silt.
- Shrub stage - Shrubs are able to tolerate sunlight and water logged condition. They transpire large amounts of water while continuing to add humus to the soil layer. The image depicted above is of the shrub stage.
- Forest stage - This is the climax stage where the soil becomes suitable for development of trees. The forest can be coniferous, deciduous or temperate.
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.
Hydrarch succession takes place in wet areas which leads to mesic (medium water) conditions.
The sequence of communities in hydrarch succession are as follows:
- Phytoplankton stage - Phytoplankton are the pioneeer species. The death of these organisms provide organic matter or humus to the bottom layer of soil.
- Submerged stage - The water becomes shallower, and submerged rooted plants get established leading to accumulation of more organic matter.
- Free-floating stage - The plants with roots and leaves floating on the surface occupy the area. The submerged plants die and decay to further contribute to humus formation. In this stage, the water becomes shallower in the periphery of the water body.
- Reed swamp stage - The water continues to get shallower. It is now suitable for the emergence of amphibious plants like reed grasses. They also form humus and their tangles roots accumulate silt.
- Shrub stage - Shrubs are able to tolerate sunlight and water logged condition. They transpire large amounts of water while continuing to add humus to the soil layer. The image depicted above is of the shrub stage.
- Forest stage - This is the climax stage where the soil becomes suitable for development of trees. The forest can be coniferous, deciduous or temperate.
Suggest Corrections
0
Similar questions
View More
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Explore more
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
