What is correct regarding ecological succession?

Options

A. The decrease in biodiversity at each transitional level.
B. Primary succession is faster than secondary succession.
C. Change to environmental condition extreme to mesic.
D. The climax community is most stable with the environment as the niche and food web complexity is less.

Answer

To determine what is correct regarding ecological succession, we need to analyze each statement provided in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ecological Succession**:
- Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It leads to the formation of a climax community, which is a stable and mature ecosystem.

2. **Evaluating the Statements**:
- **Statement A**: "The decrease in biodiversity at each transitional level."
- This statement is incorrect. During ecological succession, biodiversity generally increases at each transitional level as new species colonize the area.

- **Statement B**: "Primary succession is faster than secondary succession."
- This statement is also incorrect. Primary succession occurs on bare land (such as after a volcanic eruption), which takes a longer time to develop compared to secondary succession, which occurs in areas where an existing community has been disturbed (like after a fire).

- **Statement C**: "Change to environmental conditions extreme to mesic."
- This statement is correct. During succession, the environment typically changes from extreme conditions (like bare rock) to more mesic (moist) conditions, allowing for a greater diversity of life.

- **Statement D**: "The climax community is more stable with the environment as the niche and food web complexity is less."
- This statement is incorrect. The climax community is indeed more stable, but it is characterized by a high complexity in its food web and niches, not less.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The only correct statement regarding ecological succession is **Statement C**: "Change to environmental conditions extreme to mesic."