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Growth of new plants after a wildfire

Ecosystems consist of communities of organisms that interact with each other and their environment. A stable ecosystem tends to maintain a relatively constant variety and number of species. But disruptions can change an ecosystem. After a minor disturbance, like a storm, a stable ecosystem returns quickly to its former state. But after an extreme disturbance, like a volcanic eruption, an ecosystem may be stripped of critical resources, vegetation, and even soil, resulting in a completely new ecosystem.

Ecological succession is the process by which the types of species in a biological community change over time, especially after disruptive events. During succession, as different species come in, an ecosystem progresses through several stages before settling into a stable community. This process can take tens to thousands of years, and the new community might be much different from the original one.

Select the true statements.

Ecosystems may be permanently altered by a major natural disaster, like a volcanic eruption.

Ecological succession involves changes in the kinds of species in a community over time.

Ecological succession can usually restore a stable community within a few years after an extreme disturbance.

Stable ecosystems often change drastically after a minor disturbance like a storm.

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X.6Investigate primary succession on a volcanic island

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