Chapter 3, Problem 3A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The ecological succession can be defined as a process, which causes the changes in the species structure in an ecological community over the time. It could be of two types, primary and secondary. The climax community is the steady state of a balanced ecological community and it is the final stage of succession.

Answer to Problem 3A

Correct term:

Secondary succession.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

The destructive mudslide causes the top soil of the mountains, where vegetations are present to runoff. This result in the removal or destruction of the ecological community in there. When the mudslide stops and the vegetation starts to grow there again, it is an example of secondary succession. The secondary succession takes place where the vegetations were present in past but got destroyed due to natural disasters or any human generated activity.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Ecological succession includes both primary and secondary succession. In this case, the secondary succession is taking place. Primary succession takes place when vegetation starts to colonize at a place where no life form has existed before.

Conclusion

Hence, the secondary succession takes place on the hillside that has experience mudslide.