Question

The correct order of succession in xerarch is:
A. Annual herb stage--> perennial herb stage--> lichen moss stage-->shrub stage-->forest
B. Perennial herb stage--> annual herb stage-->lichen moss stage-->shrub stage--->forest
C. Lichen moss stage--> annual herb stage--> perennial herb stage--> shrub stage--> forest
D. Shrub stage--> forest--> annual herb stage--> perennial herb stage-->lichen moss stage

Answer 1

Succession refers to the ability of the organisms to establish itself slowly and gradually passing through different developmental stages. The structure and composition of a community vary as changes occur in the environmental condition. The gradual change in the composition of a species in a given area is called ecological succession.

Complete answer:
There are two types of succession namely: primary succession and secondary succession. Primary succession begins in those areas where life never existed ever before like newly formed ponds or barren land. Secondary succession begins at places that have lost all its life forms that once existed there like a burned or cutout forest or abandoned cropland. There are two kinds of succession in general namely: hydrarch succession and xerarch succession. It will be the availability of water that will determine which type of succession will take its course in the given area. Xerarch succession is seen in areas where there is water scarcity like deserts. It begins with the growth of lichens followed by mosses, herbs, shrubs, and at last trees.
Hence, the correct answer for the given question is option (C).

Note: Hydrarch succession is also known as hydrosere (aquatic or wet). Xerarch succession (mesic) is also known as Xerosere. Both hydrarch and xerarch lead to neither too dry nor too wet conditions.