What term describes a community of organisms that is stable and in equilibrium with environmental conditions?

Study for the IB Environmental Systems and Societies Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes a community of organisms that is stable and in equilibrium with environmental conditions is "climax community." A climax community represents the final stage of ecological succession, where the ecosystem reaches a state of stability in terms of species composition and structure. In this phase, the community has adapted to its environment, resulting in minimal changes in species over time unless there are significant environmental disturbances.

During this stage, species interactions, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis, have balanced out, allowing for the maintenance of biodiversity. This contrasts with earlier stages of succession, such as primary and secondary succession, where communities are still developing and experiencing more dynamic changes as they progress towards stability. In a climax community, the arrangement of flora and fauna is such that it can sustain itself under the prevailing environmental conditions for extended periods, unless disrupted by an external force.

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