Question

Which statement about succession is FALSE? Two mechanisms of succession are facilitation and inhibition. Lichens are often pioneer species. Slow-growing, large trees are often climax species. Succession is a process that only occurs in plant communities. The process of inhibition involves interspecific competition.

Answer 1

The false statement about succession is:

"Succession is a process that only occurs in plant communities."

Succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It occurs in both plant and animal communities, not only plant communities.

The other statements are true:

- Facilitation and inhibition are two mechanisms of succession. Facilitation occurs when one species paves the way for another. Inhibition involves interspecific competition.

- Lichens are often pioneer species that colonize new or disturbed environments early in succession.

- Slow-growing, large trees like oaks and maples are often climax species that come to dominance late in succession.

So the statement that succession only occurs in plant communities is incorrect. It is a process that happens in all types of ecological communities.