Question

An abandoned field changes into a mature forest over an extended period of time through a process called as

• A. Recession
• B. Dominance
• C. Recycling
• D. Succession

Hint:

Old-field succession is a prime example of secondary succession because it begins on pre-existing soil, allowing it to progress much faster than primary succession on bare rock.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When an ecosystem is disturbed or cleared, it undergoes a predictable, orderly series of changes in species composition over time, eventually establishing a stable climax community.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The transition of an abandoned agricultural field back into a mature forest is a classic example of Secondary Ecological Succession (specifically Old-Field Succession).
Because the soil remains intact after agricultural use, the process does not need to start from bare rock.
Succession proceeds through several distinct stages:
1. Pioneer Stage: Annual weeds and grasses colonize the field, as they are adapted to thrive in open, disturbed areas with direct sunlight.
2. Seral Stages: Perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs, and fast-growing, light-demanding pioneer trees (like birch or pine) establish, gradually outcompeting the grasses.
3. Climax Stage: Over decades or centuries, shade-tolerant hardwood trees establish beneath the pioneer canopy. These species eventually dominate the stand, forming a mature, stable forest community in equilibrium with the local climate.
The other options do not describe this ecological transition: recession refers to a decline, dominance is the control of resources by a specific species, and recycling refers to the decomposition of nutrients.

Step 3: Final Answer:
This ecological transition is called Succession, corresponding to option (D).