Assume a community undergoing succession approaches its climax stage.Which of the following predictions is most likely?
A) Once the community has reached its climax stage, then the number of species will increase.
B) Initially, species numbers increase as a result of colonization, but they should decrease following the climax since there will be competition.
C) Since the community has nearly reached its climax stage, then the number of species will be fixed.
D) Species numbers will have increased at the onset of succession, followed by the primary stage where they will decrease and then climax.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In ecological succession, species diversity typically increases during the early stages due to colonization. However, as the community reaches the climax stage, competition for resources can lead to a decrease in species numbers.

Assume a Community Undergoing Succession Approaches Its Climax Stage