AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Species associated with later successional stages are expected to accumulate over time as a result of colonisation events and the accretion of new habitats, which provide a greater diversity of resources [7].

Detailed explanation-2: -Ecological succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time. Gradually, these communities replace one another until a “climax community”-like a mature forest-is reached, or until a disturbance, like a fire, occurs. Ecological succession is a fundamental concept in ecology.

Detailed explanation-3: -Since ecological succession increases the number of species living in an area, it also increases biodiversity.

Detailed explanation-4: -In natural ecosystems, biotic succession increases the number of plant and animal species after a disturbance (Gibson et al. 2000). This is also true of ruderal and managed habitats that remain undisturbed long enough for succession to occur.