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 climate and 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 of plant remains.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ecological succession involves a gradual change in the species composition of a community over time, as different species respond differently to changing environmental conditions. This can lead to a shift from a diverse community with many common species to one dominated by a few specific species, but it is not a guaranteed outcome of succession. The stability of a community depends on multiple factors, including external disturbances and changes in climate. The final outcome of succession can also vary depending on the type of ecosystem and the specific species involved. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Option D is definitely wrong because succession doesn't always result to a forest and having one single species at the end of succession is not always the case.

During Ecological Succession, the Species Composition of a Plant Community