During ecological succession, the species composition of a plant community generally
A)changes from a diverse community in which many plants are common to one in which a few species are numerically dominant.
B)remains stable as long as major environmental factors (climate, human interference)remain constant.
C)changes gradually because each species responds differently to the changing environment.
D)changes until forest is established and a single species remains.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ecological succession is a gradual process of change in the species composition of a plant community. Each species responds differently to the changing environment, leading to a gradual change in the species composition. As a result, the diversity of the community may decrease, but it is not necessary that only a few species become dominant. The process can continue until a stable climax community is reached, which is in balance with its environment.

During Ecological Succession, the Species Composition of a Plant Community