Why is it difficult to study ecological succession? Suggest some ways you would approach this challenge for a few different ecosystems.

Ecological succession in different ecosystems can be studied by first of all recognizing the various ecosystems and what makes them unique. Thereafter, sample collection methods and regimen must be established with standardized experiments for establishing diversity of organisms in the ecosystem. Regular data storage and interpretation is needed to know what goes on in the ecosystem and at what time.

Explanation:

To study ecological succession in a fermented food sample, for example, palm-wine, methods such as metagenomics can be used to determine the diversity of organisms at various points from the tapping stage through various hours of alcoholic fermentation. This will reveal the initial colonizers of the sample and what happens to them as the pH of the palm-wine changes. Eventually, only organisms that can tolerate high acidity will thrive as the fermentation proceeds.