Suppose late succession plants that are surrounded by early succession plants grow at a rate of 0.7 cm per day. If the early succession plants are removed experimentally, the late succession plants are observed to grow at a rate of 0.6 cm per day. This experiment shows that the early succession plants have a _______ effect on the late succession plants, and this observation is most consistent with the _______ model of succession.
A) positive; facilitation
B) positive; tolerance
C) positive; inhibition
D) negative; facilitation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The early succession plants have a positive effect on the late succession plants because their removal results in a decreased growth rate of the late succession plants. This observation is consistent with the facilitation model of succession, where early species enhance the conditions for later species.

Suppose Late Succession Plants That Are Surrounded by Early Succession