Question

Fill the blank. ________ ________ is defined as changes to biodiversity over time as ecosystems are colonized by ______ species and undergo intermediate ______ before becoming a ________ unless disruption occurs.

a) Evolution, pioneer, stages, climax
b) Taxonomy, invasive, phases, community
c) Ecology, keystone, processes, biome
d) Genetics, endemic, cycles, habitat

Answer 1

Ecological succession is the process where ecosystems change and develop over time from colonization by pioneer species to a climax community, with intermediate stages in between.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct fill-in-the-blank answer to the question is Ecological succession is defined as changes to biodiversity over time as ecosystems are colonized by pioneer species and undergo intermediate stages before becoming a climax community unless disruption occurs. This process describes how ecosystems develop and change, starting from an initial colonization by hardy pioneer species that can tolerate the harsh conditions of a new environment. Over time, these species alter the habitat, making it more suitable for other species to enter the area during intermediate stages. Eventually, this succession leads to the development of a climax community, which is a more stable and diverse ecosystem unless a disturbance disrupts it. This disturbance can lead to secondary succession, where the community will again change over time in response to the new conditions.