following clear-cutting of a broadleaf forest several hundred years ago, the land was colonized by herbaceous species that were replaced largely over time by shrubs, then by forest trees. Assuming the growth of the shrubs and trees was enhanced by the soil-holding properties of the herbaceous plants, which of the following processes best describe the progression from herbaceous plants to forest trees?

The question is incomplete as it lacks the options which are:

A) primary succession; facilitation

B) primary succession; inhibition

C) primary succession; toleration

D) secondary succession; facilitation

E) secondary succession; inhibition

Answer:

The correct answer will be - secondary succession; facilitation

Explanation:

Secondary succession is the series of changes in the community which takes place on the disturbed or damaged land but previously colonized.

The succession takes place in one of the three ways: Facilitation, inhibition and tolerance model.

Facilitation model of succession occurs when the pioneer species growing in an area modifies the area and make it suitable for survival for themselves and other invading species.

The primary species are replaced by the competitive species which are replaced by another competitive species. Thus, the growing species facilitates the growth of the other species.

In the given question, since the herbs are replaced by the shrubs and then the forests on the disturbed land, therefore, secondary succession; facilitation is the correct answer.