Suppose succession occurred in a situation like the one at Glacier Bay, except that no nitrogen fixers such as Dryas or alders were available to begin colonization.How might this lack affect the process or outcome of succession?
A) It would probably affect the community structure but not the rate of succession; other species would colonize instead.
B) It would affect the rate of succession but probably not the community structure; the same nitrogen fixers would show up eventually.
C) Without nitrogen fixers to prepare for future colonists, nitrogen would be limiting and succession would probably proceed much more slowly or not at all.
D) Without nitrogen fixers to facilitate colonization, inhibiting species would likely invade instead and prevent colonization altogether.
E) Only inhibiting species are needed for colonization; the lack of facilitators such as nitrogen fixers would have little effect on succession.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogen is an important nutrient required for plant growth, and without nitrogen fixers such as Dryas or alders, there will be limited nitrogen availability for other plants to colonize the area. This will slow down the process of succession or even prevent it from occurring altogether. Other species may eventually colonize the area, but their growth will be limited without nitrogen fixers.

Suppose Succession Occurred in a Situation Like the One at Glacier