Question

Henry Cowles studied plant communities in Michigan Sand Dune. He used differences invegetation occurring on different age sand dunes to infer successional patterns. This is known as:

a. composition dominance
b. space for time substitution
c. temporal substitution
d. a good observation
e. a and b

Answer 1

Henry Cowles inferred successional patterns in plant communities on sand dunes through space for time substitution, which aligns with the biological concept of ecological succession.

Step-by-step explanation:

Henry Cowles used differences in vegetation occurring on different age sand dunes in Michigan to infer successional patterns, an approach known as space for time substitution. This method assumes that each dune represents a different stage in ecological succession, where pioneer species are succeeded by intermediate species and eventually the climax community is established. Cowles' research highlights how vegetation changes over time, from annual plants and grasses to shrubs and trees like pines, and then to mature oak and hickory forests. Such successional dynamics can be observed after disturbance events, leading to secondary succession where a community develops and changes until it reaches a relatively stable state.