During succession in Hawaiian Island forest ecosystems, nitrogen retention
A) increases for the first 20,000 years, then declines.
B) increases steadily through succession.
C) increases for the first 2,000 years, then declines.
D) decreases steadily through succession.
E) decreases for the first 2,000 years, then increases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During succession in Hawaiian Island forest ecosystems, nitrogen retention increases for the first 2,000 years as nitrogen-fixing plants establish themselves and add nitrogen to the soil. However, as the forest mature and nutrient cycling becomes more efficient, nitrogen retention declines. This is because the mature forest is able to use and recycle nitrogen more effectively, resulting in less loss of nitrogen from the system.

During Succession in Hawaiian Island Forest Ecosystems, Nitrogen Retention