Question

compare a climax community to a pioneer species

Answer 1

In ecology, a climax community, or K-selected species, is a biological community of plants and animals which, through the process of ecological succession — the development of vegetation in an area over time — has reached a balanced state. This equilibrium occurs because the climax community is composed of species that are best adapted to average conditions in that area. You will notice these types of environments in rainforest or coral reef. They are self sustainable.

However, if the environment is affected by fire or cyclone or some other disaster, the affected area may need to start growing from its lowest form again; from microscopic organisms upwards in some cases to reach climax community again. These are pioneer species or R-selected species are species to colonise any previously uncolonized environment and begin ecological succession. These pioneer species can also be found in secondary succession after where seasonal disaster occurs such as flood or cyclone.