Final answer:
A climax community has the least change in species over time as it represents the final stable ecological stage after succession, unlike ecosystems in stages of primary or secondary succession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climax community is the type of environment that experiences the least change in the total number and type of species over time. A climax community represents the end stage of ecological succession, which is a process in which a community changes through time. In a climax community, a stable balance of all organisms is achieved and will generally persist unless a significant disruption occurs. This is in contrast to ecosystems that are in primary or secondary succession, where continual change in species composition is normal as communities develop towards a climax state.
In the case of primary succession, species colonize newly exposed or formed land, such as that created by volcanic activity. Pioneer species begin this process, eventually creating conditions suitable for other species. On the other hand, secondary succession occurs where an ecosystem has been disturbed but soil and some life forms remain. The species composition changes over time as the area recovers, following disruption events like floods or the abandonment of agricultural fields.