Consider the following statements with respect to differences between ...
Understanding Pioneer and Climax Communities
Pioneer and climax communities represent different stages in ecological succession. Here’s a detailed explanation of the statements provided.
1. Growth Rate in Pioneer Community
- Pioneer Community Characteristics:
- Pioneer communities are the first to colonize barren or disturbed environments.
- They typically consist of hardy species (e.g., lichens, mosses) that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Growth Rate Comparison:
- The growth rate in pioneer communities is higher than in climax communities due to the rapid establishment of these initial species in an unoccupied area.
- Climax communities, being more stable and mature, tend to have slower growth rates as they reach equilibrium with their environment.
2. Species Diversity in Pioneer Community
- Species Diversity Characteristics:
- Pioneer communities generally have lower species diversity compared to climax communities.
- Initially dominated by a few hardy species, they gradually allow other species to establish as conditions improve.
- Diversity Comparison:
- Climax communities exhibit a higher species diversity because they have reached a stable state with numerous species coexisting, reflecting a complex ecosystem with various niches.
Conclusion
Given the explanations above, both statements are incorrect:
- Statement 1: False (Growth rate is higher in pioneer communities)
- Statement 2: False (Species diversity is lower in pioneer communities)
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - Neither 1 nor 2.
Consider the following statements with respect to differences between ...
- Primary succession sere begins with lichens. Lichens and mosses are the first to colonise because they have no roots but schizoids, which fix them on barren rock and can survive without soil. Lichens can invade and colonise such areas, coming in, by various methods of dispersal and gaining a foot hold by means of their tenacious, water-seeking fungal component and thus forming the first community, very appropriately often called the pioneer community.
- Lichens are soil builders, producing weak acids that very gradually erode the rock surface. As organic products and sand particles accumulate in tiny fissures, mosses and larger plants, such as grasses also get an opportunity to establish them and begin a new seral stage. In time, lichens that made the penetration of plant roots possible are no longer able to compete for light, water and minerals and will be succeeded by larger and more nutrient demanding plants such as shrubs and trees.
- Ultimately "the final stable and self perpetuating community which is in equilibrium with its environment", is formed and this is called climax community. The climax community is the most productive community that the environment can sustain. The animals of such a community also exhibit succession, which to a large extent is governed by the plant succession, but is also influenced by the types of animals that are able to migrate from neighbouring communities.
- Hence option (d) is the correct answer