Ecological succession can result from

Analyze the question: The question asks what can start or result in ecological succession, which is the gradual, orderly change in the composition of a community over time.

Concept: Ecological succession begins when a habitat is either:

• Newly formed or bare (e.g., fresh volcanic rock, a newly exposed sand dune, a newly created pond). This is primary succession, where pioneer species such as lichens and mosses colonize first.
• Disturbed (e.g., after a fire or flood or after farmland is abandoned). This is secondary succession.

The key idea is that succession needs a change or a new area to colonize. It does not begin simply because a habitat has plenty of resources.

Evaluating the options:

• A. Newly formed habitat. Correct. A new, unoccupied habitat is colonized by pioneer species, and the community then changes in stages until it reaches a climax community.
• B. Habitat with abundant food. Abundant food supports population growth, but it does not trigger a change in community structure.
• C. Habitat with space and light. These are resources, not a cause of succession. Many stable habitats have both.
• D. Population of plants on a fertile land. A population on fertile land can exist in a stable community without any succession occurring.

Answer: The correct option is A.

Exam tip: When you see "succession," think "new or disturbed area → pioneers → intermediate stages → climax community." If an option mentions a new or bare habitat, it is usually the answer.