Ecological Succession in Grasslands
Question
In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of (a) insects and fungi (b) limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients (c) water limits and fire (d) None of the above
Options
insects and fungi
limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
water limits and fire
None of the above
Explanation
In grasslands, trees cannot establish themselves as successional stages primarily due to water limitations (low rainfall in many grasslands) and periodic fires. Grasslands are maintained by these two factors which prevent woody plants from establishing dominance. Fire kills tree seedlings and promotes grass growth, while water scarcity favors grasses over trees. Option (c) correctly identifies both factors. Options (a) and (b) are not the primary limiting factors in grassland succession, and option (d) is eliminated.
Question details
Year
2013
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q22
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Succession and Ecosystem Dynamics
Type
Factual single
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Biology - Ecology
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