FOREST ECOLOGY
FOREST SUCCESSION
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Only the plants would be affected
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The entire ecosystem would be affected
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Only the animals would be affected
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There would be no effect
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Detailed explanation-1: -A non-native plant is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium. Assuming that the non-native plant has no natural enemies and that it thrives in the ecosystem, how will it affect the community? The number of native species will decrease.
Detailed explanation-2: -In some environments, succession reaches a climax, which produces a stable community dominated by a small number of prominent species. This state of equilibrium, called the climax community, is thought to result when the web of biotic interactions becomes so intricate that no other species can be admitted.
Detailed explanation-3: -For example, a volcanic eruption would destroy all living organisms and the soil, reverting the ecosystem back to the primary succession stage.
Detailed explanation-4: -The first species to colonize an area after a major disturbance are called pioneer species; they help to form the new environment. Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance such as a forest fire, where there is still some organic matter to allow new plants to grow.