Question

an abandoned agricultural field transitions back to forest and sun - tolerant weeds and herbs appear first, followed by dense shrubs like hawthorn and blackberry. after about a decade, birches and other small fast - growing trees move in, sprouting wherever the wind blows their lightweight seeds. in 30 to 40 years, slower - spreading trees like ash, red maple, and oak take root, followed by shade - tolerant trees such as beech and hemlock. what ecological concept does this example illustrate? ____________

Explanation:

The description shows a sequential change in species composition over time in an area that was previously an agricultural field. This follows the pattern of ecological succession where pioneer species (sun - tolerant weeds and herbs) are replaced by other species in a predictable sequence as the ecosystem develops towards a climax community.

Answer:

Ecological succession