Question

remember change when an ecosystem undergoes succession. during which stage of succession would an ecosystem most likely have the highest species diversity? a the site of a mountain that recently experienced a severe landslide. b a deciduous forest that has never been cleared for human settlement. c a tropical forest that was burned one year ago to create farmland. d the normally flooded areas of a wetland that is undergoing a prolonged drought.

Explanation:

To determine when an ecosystem has the highest species diversity during succession, we analyze each option:

• Option A: A mountain site after a landslide is in primary succession (bare rock, few species initially).
• Option B: A deciduous forest never cleared for human settlement represents a climax community. Climax communities are stable, have had time to develop complex food webs, and support the highest number of species due to established niches, mature vegetation, and diverse microhabitats.
• Option C: A burned tropical forest (secondary succession, 1 year post - burn) is in an early recovery stage, with fewer species than a climax community.
• Option D: A drought - affected wetland is under stress, reducing species diversity as some species can't tolerate the dry conditions.

Answer:

B. A deciduous forest that has never been cleared for human settlement