AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Therefore an ecosystem having a climax community experiences the least change in species number over time, hence option d is correct.

Detailed explanation-2: -So, the ultimate community is the most stable community. Complete answer: The final stable community in an ecological succession is the ‘Climax community’.

Detailed explanation-3: -Climax species, also called late seral, late-successional, K-selected or equilibrium species, are plant species that can germinate and grow with limited resources; e.g., they need heat exposure or low water availability.

Detailed explanation-4: -This change in community composition over time is termed succession. Some definitions also include adjectives for succession (e.g., Odum 1969) that include “orderly”, “directional, ” and “stabilizing.” However, these qualifiers have been much disputed and do not accurately represent the process in most cases.

Detailed explanation-5: -Climax community can be reached more quickly in secondary succession due to established soil and presence of pioneer species.