Hydrach succession in Gangetic plain till the arrested associations due to grazing follows the sequence of:
(A) Phytoplankton stage (B) Shallow water submerged Associes (C) Floating leaf/Amphibian marsh Associes (D) Moist meadow Associes (E) Meadow Associes
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Hydrarch succession (or hydrosere) refers to the ecological succession that starts in aquatic environments and gradually progresses to a terrestrial ecosystem. The sequence of stages for hydrarch succession in the Gangetic plain is as follows:
1. Phytoplankton Stage (A):
· The pioneer stage begins with the colonization of water by microscopic organisms like phytoplankton.
2. Shallow Water Submerged Associes (B):
· Submerged aquatic plants such as Hydrilla and Vallisneria dominate this stage.
3. Floating Leaf/Amphibian Marsh Associes (C):
· Plants like Nymphaea and amphibians dominate in this intermediate stage as water becomes shallow.
4. Moist Meadow Associes (D):
· With further sedimentation, grasses and other moisture-loving plants start appearing.
5. Meadow Associes (E):
· The final stage before the terrestrial ecosystem is characterized by the dominance of meadow plants like grasses.
Thus, the correct sequence is (A), (B), (C), (D), (E).
Information Booster: 1. Hydrarch Succession:
· Begins in water and ends with the establishment of a terrestrial community.
· Common in floodplains like the Gangetic plain.
2. Stages of Succession:
· Pioneer stage: Dominated by phytoplankton.
· Intermediate stages: Include submerged plants, floating plants, and amphibians.
· Climatic stage: Transition to terrestrial vegetation (meadows).
3. Factors Influencing Hydrarch Succession:
· Sedimentation from aquatic bodies.
· Grazing and human activities, which may arrest the succession.
Additional Knowledge: Phytoplankton Stage (A):
· Microscopic organisms initiate the process by adding organic matter to water.
Shallow Water Submerged Associes (B):
· Plants rooted underwater stabilize sediments.
Floating Leaf/Amphibian Marsh Associes (C):
· Floating plants thrive as water depth decreases.
Moist Meadow Associes (D):
· Dominated by grasses and other moisture-loving plants.
Meadow Associes (E):
· Represents the final stage before complete transition to terrestrial conditions.