AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During the processes of ecological succession, both biomass productivity and biodiversity increase. This means that there are more organisms with greater species diversity at each stage of succession than in the previous stage.

Detailed explanation-2: -Species diversity decreases during succession. Communities in which such large patches are rare are characterized by a large number of species that reach the canopy through small gaps and realtively few which regenerate in the large clearings. Diversity increases during succession following a large scale disturbance.

Detailed explanation-3: -Since ecological succession increases the number of species living in an area, it also increases biodiversity. For example, areas that have been through heavy mining are usually stripped to barren rock. Over time, seeds drift in through wind, water, or pollinators, and these seeds can colonize the barren rock.

Detailed explanation-4: -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.