When a New England farm is abandoned, its formerly plowed fields first become weedy meadows, then shrubby areas, and finally forest. This sequence of plant communities is an example of
A)evolution.
B)a trophic chain.
C)secondary succession.
D)primary succession.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sequence of plant communities - from weedy meadows to shrubby areas and then forests - indicates secondary succession, which occurs in an area where there is already a pre-existing soil layer. Primary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where there is no pre-existing soil layer (e.g. on new volcanic islands). Therefore, options A and D can be eliminated. Option B is not relevant to the example provided.

When a New England Farm Is Abandoned, Its Formerly Plowed