Which event could trigger the process of ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance. A natural disaster, such as a flood or hurricane, can drastically alter an ecosystem by destroying habitats, displacing species, and opening up areas for new growth. This type of event creates opportunities for primary and secondary succession to occur, where organisms colonize previously disturbed areas in a stepwise manner.

Following such disturbances, pioneering species typically are the first to establish themselves, leading to a gradual increase in biodiversity and complexity of the ecosystem as more species move in and the environment stabilizes. The impact of a natural disaster sets the context for a cycle of community changes and adaptations to new environmental conditions, making it a significant trigger for succession.

The other options, while they also relate to ecological changes, may not necessarily lead to immediate succession. For instance, the introduction of a new species can change the dynamics of an ecosystem, but it doesn't always trigger a succession event. A gradual change in temperature could influence existing species and their distributions over time, but it does not tend to cause the abrupt shifts required for succession. Consistent human activity can certainly alter ecosystems, but it may lead to degradation or transformation rather than a succession event per se unless it results