Chapter 3, Problem 8A

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. Primary succession takes place where the life has not existed in past, and the secondary succession takes place, where some life form has existed before.

Answer to Problem 8A

Correct Answer:

Option (d) newly formed volcano.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (d) newly formed volcano. The newly formed volcano serves as a site of succession to occur. As it is a newly formed volcano, it would undergo primary succession. The pioneer species are the species that forms the foundation of the succession. Hence, the newly formed volcano would be rich in different pioneer species.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) Climax forest. The pioneer species are abundant at the starting of the succession, climax community is the terminal stage of the succession. Hence, it would not be rich in pioneer species.

Option (b) Coral reef. The coral reefs are also well-established community of the marine organisms; hence, pioneer species will be less abundant here.

Option (c) disturbed grassland. The grassland is a community and disturbed grassland represents an ecological disturbance in the grassland, this may or may not lead to total removal of the community. However, this situation represents the end of the succession. Hence, pioneer species would not be found in such cases.