(Out of current syllabus — rationalised out of NCERT; included as it was asked in earlier NEET papers) Match List-I with List-II: List-I (A) Hydrarch succession (B) Xerarch succession (C) Ecological succession (D) Secondary succession List-II (I) Gradual change in the species composition (II) Faster and climax reached quickly (III) Lichens to mesic conditions (IV) Phytoplankton to mesic conditions Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: (B) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II). Answer: (B) (Out of current syllabus — rationalised out; last asked ≤2023) Hydrarch succession begins in water and proceeds from phytoplankton toward mesic conditions (A-IV); xerarch succession begins on dry, bare habitat with lichens as pioneers progressing toward mesic conditions (B-III); ecological succession in general is the gradual, orderly change in species composition of an area over time (C-I); and secondary succession occurs on a previously inhabited site that retains soil, so it is faster and reaches the climax community quickly (D-II).
- A.(A)-(I), (B)-(IV), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)
- B.(A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)✓
- C.(A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)
- D.(A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
Correct Answer
(B) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (B) (Out of current syllabus — rationalised out; last asked ≤2023) Hydrarch succession begins in water and proceeds from phytoplankton toward mesic conditions (A-IV); xerarch succession begins on dry, bare habitat with lichens as pioneers progressing toward mesic conditions (B-III); ecological succession in general is the gradual, orderly change in species composition of an area over time (C-I); and secondary succession occurs on a previously inhabited site that retains soil, so it is faster and reaches the climax community quickly (D-II). This gives A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II, which is option (b). NCERT Reference: Class XII, Ecosystem — ecological succession (pre-2023 NCERT; rationalised out of current reprint).