Which of the following best describes ecological succession?

Ecological succession is a process that describes how the structure of a biological community evolves over time. This process typically occurs following a disturbance or the creation of a new habitat. The gradual replacement of one community by another reflects the dynamic nature of ecosystems, where species composition changes in a sequential manner.

Succession can be categorized into two main types: primary succession, which occurs on surfaces where no soil exists (e.g., after a volcanic eruption), and secondary succession, which occurs in areas where a disturbance has cleared out an existing community but soil and some organisms still remain (e.g., after a forest fire). Over time, through various stages, communities will transition towards a climax community, which is more stable and diverse.

This process demonstrates how communities adapt and evolve, often leading to increased biodiversity. Therefore, the understanding of ecological succession is key to grasping how ecosystems function and change in response to both natural events and human interventions.