Question

which statement best explains how the number of species in an ecosystem is related to the stage of ecological succession? the number of species increases as succession continues. the number of species decreases as succession continues. the number of species present when succession begins remains the same. the number of species will eventually become extinct as succession continues.

Explanation:

Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. As succession progresses (from primary to secondary to climax community), the ecosystem becomes more stable and diverse. Pioneer species are replaced by more complex species, and the number of species generally increases as the community develops and resources become more efficiently utilized, leading to a more diverse array of organisms being supported. The other options are incorrect: species number does not stay the same (succession involves change), it does not decrease (diversity increases with succession), and species do not all go extinct (a climax community is a stable, diverse community with many species).

Answer:

A. The number of species increases as succession continues.