Question

We know that in both primary and secondary succession situations, we begin with pioneer species and gradually, over the years, end up with a climax community whose predominant species is usually some mix of tree species. Whether natural or prescribed, fire in the Pine Rocklands makes this ecosystem what scientists describe as a sub-climax community. How would this ecosystem change if this ecosystem was NOT subjected to periodic fire?
Responses
A The climax community would consist of slash pine trees and only grassy understory.The climax community would consist of slash pine trees and only grassy understory.
B More shrubs and small trees would grow and eventually crowd out the slash pines in the sub-climax community.More shrubs and small trees would grow and eventually crowd out the slash pines in the sub-climax community.
C Hardwoods will invade Pine Rockland and eventually shade out Pine Rockland understory species. It would be a hardwood climax community.Hardwoods will invade Pine Rockland and eventually shade out Pine Rockland understory species. It would be a hardwood climax community.
D Slash pine would be the dominant species in the climax community, but they would not be able to regenerate new trees and they would eventually die out leaving only understory.