Question

Arrange the following stages of primary succession of plants from last stage to first stage:
(A) Reed-swamp stage,
(B) Submerged plant stage,
(C) Marsh Meadow stage,
(D) Phytoplankton
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D)
• B. (C), (A), (B), (D)
• C. (A), (C), (B), (D)
• D. (D), (B), (A), (C)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The process of primary succession in aquatic ecosystems begins with the simplest and ends with more complex plant forms. It typically progresses through the following stages: 

• Phytoplankton Stage (D): This is the initial stage where phytoplankton like algae are the first to colonize the water body.
• Submerged Plant Stage (B): As organic material builds up, submerged aquatic plants begin to thrive.
• Reed-Swamp Stage (A): Eventually, the area becomes shallow enough for taller, rooted plants like reeds and rushes to grow.
• Marsh Meadow Stage (C): This is characterized by the development of marshy meadows as the area fills in with sediment and becomes less aquatic.

The correct arrangement of these stages from last to first is: (A), (C), (B), (D).

Answer 2

The correct arrangement of primary succession stages from last to first is (A), (C), (B), (D).

Additional Context:

• Primary Succession Sequence:
  1. (A) Reed-swamp stage: Final stage with tall emergent plants (e.g., Typha, Phragmites)
  2. (C) Marsh Meadow stage: Emergent grasses/sedges (e.g., Carex, Juncus)
  3. (B) Submerged plant stage: Rooted aquatic vegetation (e.g., Potamogeton)
  4. (D) Phytoplankton: Pioneer community in open water
• Ecological progression:
  • Begins in newly formed water bodies (glacial lakes, volcanic ponds)
  • Each stage modifies environment for next stage (organic matter accumulation)
  • Leads to eventual terrestrial climax community
• Key processes:
  • Sediment accumulation from decaying plants
  • Water depth reduction over centuries
  • Peat formation in later stages 
• Time scales:
  • Phytoplankton → Submerged plants: 1-10 years
  • Submerged → Marsh Meadow: 10-100 years
  • Marsh → Reed-swamp: 100-1000 years
• Comparison with other options:
  • Option 1: Incorrect reverse order
  • Option 2: Marsh before reed-swamp is incorrect
  • Option 4: Shows correct succession but in forward order

Correct Answer: (3) (A), (C), (B), (D).