Final answer:
Secondary succession in an oak and hickory forest after a forest fire involves a sequence of events, starting with pioneer species like grasses, followed by perennials and shrubs, and eventually leading to the growth of trees like oaks and hickories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Secondary succession is a process that occurs after a disturbance in an ecosystem. It involves the gradual replacement of plant and animal species over time.
In the case of an oak and hickory forest after a forest fire, the sequence of events in secondary succession can be described as follows:
- Pioneer species: Grasses and other annual plants are the first to appear in the area due to their ability to quickly colonize the disturbed land.
- Perennials and shrubs: These plants start to grow and establish themselves, making the area more suitable for other species to thrive.
- Trees: Over time, larger and more established trees like oaks and hickories start to dominate the area, creating a mature forest ecosystem.