2013
Q. 22
Set A
Environment & Ecology
Ecosystems
In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
Smart Elimination
Grasslands are defined by grass, not trees. Why? Trees need steady deep water. Grasslands often have fires or dry seasons that kill tree saplings but grass survives.
Option C (Water limits and fire) describes this best.
Potential Trap
Focusing only on water or nutrients. Fire is a key factor maintaining grasslands.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: CThe correct answer is Option A.
Explanation:
- Grasslands (like Savannahs) are maintained by two major factors: Water limits (seasonal rainfall) and Fire.
- Ecological Succession: Trees attempt to replace grasses.
- Barriers:
- Fire: Periodic fires burn tree saplings, but grasses (growing from the base/underground) recover quickly.
- Grazing: Herbivores eat saplings.
- Water limits: Not enough consistent water for dense forests.
- Therefore, 'Water limits and fire' prevent the climax succession to a forest.
Value Addition
- Climax Community: The final stage of succession (usually forest).
- Plagioclimax: An area where succession is stopped by human or natural intervention (like managed burning).
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Questions
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Difficulty Assessment
medium
Foundational question based on core concepts.