Question

Which describes an example of ecological succession?

Answer 1

The answer is; D.

This can be called a secondary ecological succession because it includes the disruption of the former ecology, rather than the ecological succession from a new environment-primary succession. The invasive species outcompete the native species in their environment. In addition, the invasive species lack a natural predator hence spread unregulated in the environment.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct option is B: A meadow replacing a pong in its flood plain

Explanation:

Ecological succession is the process of change in ecological communities during which the species structure gradually change with time. Species structure within an ecological community keeps changing with time until a relatively stable community, otherwise known as climax community is reached.

Depending on the status of the habitat, succession are of different types;

• Primary succession: This is a type of succession involving colonization of entirely new area that has never housed any species before. The colonizing species are referred to as pioneer species in this case. Example include the colonization of newly exposed rocks by pioneer microbes.
• Secondary succession: A type of succession that takes place in a habitat that is already a home to several species of organisms. In this case, an event of severe disruption or entire removal of the community will lead to re-colonization of the community. For example, a vegetation disrupted by fire will undergo secondary succession if allowed to stand relatively undisturbed.

Both primary and secondary succession in ecological communities eventually lead to formation of stable climax communities if left undisturbed. The species structure will keep changing till a relatively stable community structure is established.

A meadow which is a type of grass replacing a pond in its flood plain is an example of ecological succession in an aquatic community. In this case, the species within the flood plain is being replaced by grasses. The replacement of native species of animal with invasive species cannot be considered as succession but rather an invasion.

Hence, the correct option is B.