Explain the changes in energy flow, gross and net productivity, diversity and mineral cycling in different stages of succession. As systems becomes more complex energy flows also become more branching, i.e., simple food chains become complex food webs. In early stages gross production is low due to harsh conditions and low density of producers. Proportion of energy lost through community respiration is relatively low too, so net productivity is high, i.e., system is growing. In later stages, with increased consumer community, gross productivity may be high in climax community, but this is balanced by respiration so net productivity approaches zero.
Diversity increases with succession as production base increases.
Minerals become increasingly locked up in biotic components. Describe factors affecting the nature of climax communities. Climatic and edaphic factors determine the nature of a climax community unless human or other activities maintain an equilibrium at a subclimax community.