Which term describes the oldest and most stable stage of ecological succession?

Define the climax community: The climax community is the oldest and most stable stage of ecological succession. It represents a balanced ecosystem where species composition remains relatively constant unless disrupted by external factors.

Differentiate between the terms: The pioneer stage refers to the initial colonization, secondary succession occurs after a disturbance in an already established ecosystem, and the disturbance phase refers to events that disrupt the ecosystem. The climax community is distinct as the stable endpoint of succession.