12. Scientists went to five different islands and surveyed the wildlife to determine the stage of succession
present at each location. The data from their exploration is reported in the table below:
Island A
Island B
Island C
Island D
Island E.
Plant species
Grasses, shrubs,
mangroves,
Grasses, shrubs,
flowering plants, mangroves, trees
trees
Grasses, shrubs
Grasses, shrubs,
some flowering
plants
Lichen, some
grasses
Insects, snails,
worms, birds,
Animal species small mammals,
Insects, snails,
worms, birds,
small mammals,
a few large
mammals
Insects, snails,
worms, birds
Insects, snails,
worms, birds,
small mammals,
a few large
mammals
A few small
insects, worms
large mammals
Mostly
Geographic Primarily A mix of forests
grasslands with
Sand and grass
Bare rock
features
'forested and grasslands
some young
forests
(a) Based on the information in the table, which island is at the earliest stage of succession? Explain your
answer using details from the table.