Question

Which of the following statements is true regarding primary succession?

A.The soil is already present, so pioneer species grow very quickly.
B.Happens after a disturbance to an ecosystem, such as a forest fire or flood.
C.A climax community can be reached relatively quickly, in 150-200 years.
D.This type of succession starts on new land, so it takes much longer to occur.

Answer 1

d. Primary succession occurs on new land or exposed rock, takes longer to occur compared to secondary succession, and pioneer species help break down the substrate into soil.

Step-by-step explanation:

d. Primary succession occurs when new land is formed or rock is exposed, such as after the eruption of volcanoes or the retreat of glaciers. In primary succession, pioneer species, such as hearty plants and lichens, grow and help break down the substrate into soil where other species can grow. Over time, the area reaches an equilibrium state with a different set of organisms.

1. Happens after a disturbance to an ecosystem, such as a forest fire or flood. This statement is false. Primary succession occurs on new land or exposed rock, not in response to a disturbance.
2. This type of succession starts on new land, so it takes much longer to occur. This statement is true. Primary succession starts on new land where life has not yet existed, so it takes longer compared to secondary succession, which occurs in areas where life has already existed.
3. The soil is already present, so pioneer species grow very quickly. This statement is false. Pioneer species in primary succession help break down the substrate into soil and pave the way for other species to grow, but the soil is not already present.
4. A climax community can be reached relatively quickly, in 150-200 years. This statement is false. Primary succession is a gradual process that can take hundreds or even thousands of years to reach a climax community.