Climax communities

Options

A. Are short lived than pioneer communities
B. Are less stable than pioneer communication
C. Have simple food chains than pioneer communities
D. Have greater niche, specialization than pioneer communities

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Climax Communities**:
- Climax communities are the final stage of ecological succession, representing a stable and mature ecosystem. They are characterized by a complex structure and a high level of biodiversity.

2. **Comparison with Pioneer Communities**:
- Pioneer communities are the first to colonize barren or disturbed environments. They are typically composed of small-sized species and have simple food chains.

3. **Characteristics of Pioneer Communities**:
- They appear on bare areas where no life previously existed.
- They have a short lifespan and are less stable compared to climax communities.
- Their food chains are simple, consisting of fewer species and interactions.

4. **Characteristics of Climax Communities**:
- Climax communities develop after pioneer communities have established themselves.
- They are more stable and long-lived compared to pioneer communities.
- They have a greater variety of species, which leads to complex food chains and interactions.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option A**: "Climax communities are short-lived than the pioneer communities." - This is incorrect as climax communities are long-lived.
- **Option B**: "Climax communities are less stable than pioneer communities." - This is also incorrect; climax communities are more stable.
- **Option C**: "Climax communities have simple food chains than pioneer communities." - This is incorrect; climax communities have complex food chains.
- **Option D**: "Climax communities have greater niche and specialization than the pioneer communities." - This is correct as climax communities support a wider variety of species and complex interactions.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option D**: Climax communities have greater niche and specialization than the pioneer communities.