C: Volcano
Explanation:
Ecological succession can be referred to as a gradual process that takes place during the course of many years in which there occur tremendous changes in biological community of an area. These changes occur due to alterations in biotic or abiotic factors in certain course of time, until the time comes when the ecological system re-establishes.
Succession occurs in stages called primary, secondary or tertiary.
Primary succession:
It is that stage of succession which starts over a land or area that has no flora or fauna. We can call that area lifeless or barren where no living organisms are inhabiting. There can be several reasons for non-existence of life such as inappropriate soil for the growth of plants, inappropriate climate or climate full of toxic compounds that don't supports the life survival.
If we look at the factors given in options of the questions, Volcanoes seem to be the best choice. This is because volcanic eruptions release hot lava that flows from a certain mountain and hit all the areas coming on its way badly and leaves it devastated. It takes away all the good nutrients from the soil and leaves the areas barren.
This is why, the areas which suffered from volcanic eruptions become an excellent area for the initiation of primary succession. With the passage of time, some primitive and small living organisms like lichens start to colonize on these areas. These small living organisms
Therefore, pioneer or primitive species like lichens act on such rocks and soil producing acids which remove the compaction by increasing the pores and spaces between soil particles making them appropriate for the growth of plants.
Please keep in mind that primary succession is a very gradual process and it can take upto 800 years for an ecosystem to form through primary succession.
Hope it helps!
