Concept:
Ecological succession is the gradual development of a community in an area over time, involving several stages.
• Nudation: Formation of a bare area (initial stage)
• Invasion: Arrival of species
• Competition and co-action: Interaction among species
• Reaction: Modification of environment
• Stabilization (climax): Final stable community
Step 1: Identify initial stage.
Succession begins with nudation (bare surface formation).
Step 2: Identify final stage.
Ends with stabilization (climax community formation).
Step 3: Analyze options.
• (A) Aggregation: Intermediate stage
• (B) Invasion and competition: Intermediate
• (C) Intermediate processes
• (D) Nudation and stabilization: Correct
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct initial and final steps are nudation and stabilization.
Final Answer: Option (D)