Question

How does ecological succession differ from natural selection?

Answer 1

Hint: The gradual process by which ecosystems develop or change over a period of time is called ecological succession.
Natural selection is the key mechanism of evolution where species adapt to the changing environment by bringing adaptations in their survival patterns and reproductive structures.

Complete answer:

Ecological Succession	Natural selection
The process of evolving a biological community over time is called ecological succession.	The process which favors the survival of organisms that are better adapted to the environment is called natural selection.
This theory was given and modified by various scientists over time, like- H.C Cowles, Gleason and Clements, Robert Whittaker and John Curtis.	The theory of natural selection was proposed by- Charles Darwin.
The change is observed within the community.	Natural selection does not directly affect the community.
The individual population of the community does not undergo any change.	The change is observed within the population.
It is a gradual process that results in the development of a stable climax community from bare land or area.	It is a selection process that favors the survival and reproduction of the organisms that are suitable to the environment.
The simple organisms are replaced or evolved to higher organisms.	The selected organisms survive while the non selected organisms are eliminated from the population.
It provides the framework for the establishment of a community.	It is one of the major forces of evolution on our planet.
Climate change, soil changes, biotic changes, and the desire to achieve stability are the main causes of ecological succession.	Natural selection occurs in a population if these four conditions are fulfilled- 1)Reproduction 2)Heredity3)Variation in physical characteristics and the fitness4)High rates of population growth
Primary succession and secondary succession are its two major types.	Directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection are its three main types.
It is important for the growth and development of an ecosystem by recolonizing the older areas or destroyed areas or initiating colonization on new areas.	It is important for the process of evolution as it can lead to speciation- the formation of a new species, elimination of the less favorable traits, and passing of the advanced and favorable alleles to the offsprings.
Example- Succession on land after volcanic eruptions.	Example- Skeletal adaptations in the giraffe.

Note: Natural selection and ecological succession are two different theories that work in two different directions and fulfill different purposes. While one explains the process of evolution, the other explains the stabilization of the community on our planet.