Final answer:
The oldest stage of succession in the provided figures is the mature oak and hickory forests in the later stage of secondary succession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oldest stage of succession shown in the figure described would likely be the stage where the oak and hickory forests are maturing after a forest fire. Since the figures and descriptions refer to secondary succession in an oak and hickory forest, the oldest stage would be the final stage where the intermediate species of shrubs, pines, and young oaks and hickories that began to grow are now mature and establish a more stable community. In secondary succession, this stage comes after pioneer species and annuals have paved the way for more permanent species.