Ecological Succession in Grasslands

In grassland ecosystems, trees do not naturally replace grasses as part of ecological succession primarily due to water limitations and fire. Grasslands experience periodic droughts and natural or human-induced fires that prevent tree seedlings from establishing. Fire is particularly important as it kills young tree saplings but grasses can quickly regenerate from their roots. Water scarcity in many grasslands prevents tree growth. While insects and fungi may play minor roles, and nutrient levels vary, the dominant ecological factors preventing tree succession in grasslands are fire frequency and water availability. Option (b) is less accurate because many grasslands aren't necessarily nutrient-poor, and sunlight isn't limiting for tree growth. > Fire and water scarcity are the primary successional barriers in grasslands — fire kills saplings while grasses regrow. Answer: (c).