Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Approximately how long does primary succession typically take to develop a mature, stable ecosystem?
A
Hundreds to thousands of years
B
About ten years
C
A few weeks
D
One to two years
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of primary succession: Primary succession is the process by which ecosystems develop in areas where there was previously no soil or life, such as on bare rock after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.
Recognize the stages of primary succession: It begins with pioneer species like lichens and mosses that break down rock into soil. Gradually, more complex plants and organisms establish themselves as the soil quality improves.
Consider the time required for soil formation: The creation of soil from bare rock is a slow process, often taking hundreds to thousands of years, as it involves physical weathering, chemical processes, and organic matter accumulation.
Evaluate the development of a mature ecosystem: A stable, mature ecosystem includes diverse plant and animal species, complex food webs, and nutrient cycling. This level of complexity requires significant time to develop.
Compare the timeframes provided in the question: Based on the understanding of primary succession, the correct timeframe aligns with 'Hundreds to thousands of years,' as the other options are too short for the processes involved.