Which of the following best explains the natural cause of a decrease in biomass as succession peaks in a climax community? Select one:

a. Once a climax community is reached, there are no nutrients left in the ecosystem to support the growth of plants.

b. The canopy of forests prevents sufficient light from reaching the forest floor, thereby limiting primary productivity.

c. Humans usually cut down old growth forests.

d. The presence of large animals such as elk or wolves prevents the development of young animals.

Question

Biology

Amare Rogers

25 June, 00:01

Which of the following best explains the natural cause of a decrease in biomass as succession peaks in a climax community? Select one:

a. Once a climax community is reached, there are no nutrients left in the ecosystem to support the growth of plants.

b. The canopy of forests prevents sufficient light from reaching the forest floor, thereby limiting primary productivity.

c. Humans usually cut down old growth forests.

d. The presence of large animals such as elk or wolves prevents the development of young animals.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Trevin Hardy · Answer 1

A. Once a climax community is reached, there are no nutrients left in the ecosystem to support the growth of plants. Climax community is defined to be that community of plants, animals and fungi which have achieved stability through the process of ecological succession. Biomass decreases at this stage of succession because organic material released into the soil is not processed as quickly as before, and hence the decrease in amount of nutrients left to support the growth of plants.