Question

Using a graph, describe how species richness typically changes in relations to stages of
succession. Briefly discuss.

Answer 1

During ecological succession on bare land first species to be established are lichens, algae, mosses. These species are known as pioneer species. They play quite important role in increasing the soil fertility. As the soil becomes fertile, more species invade to the land. Thus species richness keeps on increasing during succesional stages. Intermediate successional stages are called as transitional or seral stages. The climax community of species are called forests which finally stabilize the whole ecosystem and have maximum species richness.