Which description best matches ecological succession?

• A. The progressive change in species composition of a community over time after a disturbance.
• B. The daily weather-driven population changes.
• C. A random pattern of population fluctuations.
• D. An instantaneous restoration after a disturbance.

Answer: (C)

Ecological succession is a gradual, directional change in the species composition and structure of a community over time following a disturbance or creation of new habitat. After a disturbance, pioneer species establish and modify the environment, allowing other species to move in, with successive communities forming until a more stable climax community is reached. This process unfolds over years to centuries as soils develop and species interactions shift. It is not about daily weather-driven population changes, nor a random pattern of fluctuations, nor an instantaneous restoration after disturbance.