---

Question 1:

What is secondary succession?

A) The invasion of a new area by existing organisms
B) The gradual change of a community over time
C) The process of colonization on bare rock or barren land
D) The recovery of a disturbed ecosystem with existing soil

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) The recovery of a disturbed ecosystem with existing soil. Secondary succession refers to the ecological process of recovery and regrowth of a disturbed or destroyed ecosystem where soil is already present. It occurs in areas that have experienced disturbances such as forest fires, logging, or agricultural abandonment.

---

Question 2:

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

A) Volcanic eruption
B) Glacier retreat
C) Formation of sand dunes
D) Abandoned agricultural field

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) Abandoned agricultural field. An abandoned agricultural field is an example of secondary succession. When a previously cultivated field is no longer in use, it undergoes secondary succession as the area is recolonized by plant species from the surrounding area or seed bank present in the soil.

---

Question 3:

Which of the following is a characteristic of secondary succession?

A) Rapid recovery of ecosystem
B) No existing soil
C) Dependent on pioneer species
D) No competition between species

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is C) Dependent on pioneer species. Secondary succession is dependent on the presence of pioneer species. These species are the first to colonize the disturbed area and prepare the habitat for subsequent species. Pioneer species facilitate the establishment of other plant species by enriching the soil with organic matter and creating favorable conditions for growth.

---

Question 4:

Which of the following is an example of a pioneer species in secondary succession?

A) Pine tree
B) Lichen
C) Deer
D) Squirrel

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is B) Lichen. Lichen is a common example of a pioneer species in secondary succession. Lichens are a symbiotic association between fungi and algae. They can grow on bare surfaces and play a crucial role in the initial stages of ecosystem recovery by breaking down rocks, fixing nitrogen, and helping in soil formation.

---

Question 5:

What is the source of soil in secondary succession?

A) Weathering of rocks
B) Decomposition of organic matter
C) Transportation by wind
D) Importation from other ecosystems

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is B) Decomposition of organic matter. In secondary succession, the source of soil is the decomposition of organic matter from dead plants and animals. As pioneer species and subsequent plant species grow and die, their remains accumulate on the ground, gradually contributing to the development of soil through the decomposition process.