Question

in the process of ecological succession, one community replaces another until - all animal populations are replaced by plants. heterotrophs become the dominant organisms. all the biotic factors are of one species. a climax community is established.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Ecological succession involves community replacement, not just animal populations being replaced by plants. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Heterotrophs being dominant is not the end - point of succession. Succession leads to a stable climax community with a balanced ecosystem, not just heterotroph dominance. Eliminate.
• Option 3: Biotic factors include multiple species, and succession doesn't result in all biotic factors being of one species. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Ecological succession is the process where communities change over time until a climax community (a stable, self - sustaining community) is established. This matches the definition of the end - result of ecological succession.

Answer:

a climax community is established.