Suppose that a two-acre lawn on your college's campus is allowed to undergo succession. Describe how species traits, species interactions, and the site's history might affect the community that develops.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of ecological succession. Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It involves a series of progressive changes in the area's vegetation and animal life.
2. Step 2: Consider species traits. The traits of the species that first colonize the area, known as pioneer species, will greatly influence the community that develops. For example, if the pioneer species are grasses, they may create a habitat suitable for insects and small mammals. Over time, these species may be replaced by larger plants and animals.
3. Step 3: Consider species interactions. The interactions between species, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis, will also shape the community. For example, if a certain plant species is particularly competitive, it may dominate the community and prevent other species from establishing.
4. Step 4: Consider the site's history. The history of the site, including previous disturbances and the types of species that have lived there in the past, will also influence the community. For example, if the site was previously a forest, it may be more likely to return to a forest state.
5. Step 5: Synthesize these factors. The community that develops will be a result of the interplay between species traits, species interactions, and the site's history. For example, if the site was previously a forest, and the pioneer species are grasses, the community may initially develop into a grassland. However, over time, tree species may begin to establish, leading to a transition back to a forest.