During secondary succession, which of these best describes, why decomposing pioneer plants give way to larger, morecomplex plants species, such as hardwood trees?

Question: During secondary succession, which of these best describes, why decomposing pioneer plants give way to larger, morecomplex plants species, such as hardwood trees?

Secondary succession is a type of ecological succession that occurs when a habitat is disturbed or damaged, but not completely destroyed. It involves the recovery of an existing ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a fire, flood, landslide, or human activity. Secondary succession is different from primary succession, which occurs in a new habitat where no life had existed before.

One of the main factors that influence secondary succession is the **soil**. Soil contains nutrients, organic matter, seeds, and microorganisms that can help the growth of new plants. In secondary succession, the soil is already present and has some degree of fertility, unlike in primary succession where the soil has to be formed from scratch.

Another factor that affects secondary succession is the **presence of pioneer plants**. These are the first plants that colonize a disturbed area and help modify the environment for later species. Pioneer plants are usually fast-growing, hardy, and able to tolerate harsh conditions. They can also enrich the soil by adding organic matter and nitrogen through decomposition or symbiosis with bacteria.

As pioneer plants grow and die, they create more favorable conditions for larger and more complex plant species, such as hardwood trees. These plants are called **successional species** and they replace the pioneer plants over time. Successional species have different characteristics and requirements than pioneer plants. They are usually slower-growing, longer-lived, and more shade-tolerant. They can also compete better for resources such as light, water, and nutrients.

Therefore, the answer to the question of why decomposing pioneer plants give way to larger and more complex plant species during secondary succession is that **they change the environment and make it more suitable for successional species**. Pioneer plants improve the soil quality and structure, increase the moisture and nutrient availability, and reduce the light intensity and temperature. These changes favor the growth of successional species that can outcompete and replace the pioneer plants.

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