When the succession is arrested and help indefinitely at the stage preceding the climax, it is termed as .............

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Succession**: Succession refers to the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It can be primary (starting from bare substrate) or secondary (following a disturbance).

2. **Climax Community**: The climax community is the final, stable community in an ecological succession. It represents a point where the ecosystem reaches a state of equilibrium.

3. **Arrested Succession**: Sometimes, the process of succession can be halted or arrested before reaching the climax community. This can occur due to various environmental factors or disturbances that prevent the community from progressing.

...