Question

Select the statement(s) about primary and secondary succession.


Primary and secondary succession both end with a mature, climax community.


Primary succession occurs faster than secondary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms soil during the later stages.


Primary succession takes longer than secondary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the earliest stages.


Secondary succession processes take less time than primary succession because some soil and species are still present after the major disruption.


Secondary succession takes longer than primary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the earliest stages.

Answer 1

Let's evaluate each statement regarding primary and secondary succession:

1. **Primary and secondary succession both end with a mature, climax community.**
- This statement is generally true. Both types of succession can lead to a climax community, which is a stable ecosystem.

2. **Primary succession occurs faster than secondary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the later stages.**
- This statement is false. Primary succession generally takes longer than secondary succession because it starts from bare rock or completely inhospitable environments that require soil formation, while secondary succession begins in areas where soil and some organisms are already present.

3. **Primary succession takes longer than secondary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the earliest stages.**
- This statement is true. Primary succession does take longer because it starts from a lifeless environment, requiring pioneer species to colonize first and create soil.

4. **Secondary succession processes take less time than primary succession because some soil and species are still present after the major disruption.**
- This statement is true. Secondary succession is typically faster than primary succession because the presence of soil and some organisms allows for quicker recovery.

5. **Secondary succession takes longer than primary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the earliest stages.**
- This statement is false. Secondary succession does not take longer than primary succession; it usually occurs more rapidly due to existing soil and organisms.

In summary, the true statements are:
- **Primary and secondary succession both end with a mature, climax community.**
- **Primary succession takes longer than secondary succession due to the time required for the weathering and erosion of rock or hardened lava. Pioneer species, lichens, and moss appear, and soil forms during the earliest stages.**
- **Secondary succession processes take less time than primary succession because some soil and species are still present after the major disruption.**