Question

why is species richness likely to level off during succession?large herbivores move in, limiting plant diversity.there is more diversity among early successional species than late successional species.available niches get filled.only the very best competitors for nutrients persist.free resources eventually get used up.

Answer 1

Species richness is likely to level off during succession due to filling of available niches, competition among species, and depletion of free resources.

Step-by-step explanation:

During succession, species richness is likely to level off due to several factors. One of these factors is the filling of available niches. As an ecosystem matures, different species occupy specific niches and eventually fill them up, reducing the number of available niches. Additionally, competition among species increases as the ecosystem becomes more stable, favoring the best competitors for resources and limiting the persistence of less competitive species. Finally, as succession progresses, free resources become depleted, making it harder for new species to establish themselves and reducing species richness.