Which ecological process is most likely to take place on a newly formed volcanic island?

The correct choice is primary succession because this process occurs in an environment that was previously uninhabited or devoid of life, such as a newly formed volcanic island. After a volcanic eruption, the land is typically barren, consisting of bare rock or volcanic ash, which initially lacks soil and organic material necessary for most forms of life.

During primary succession, the first organisms, often called pioneer species, such as lichen and certain mosses, colonize this inhospitable environment. As these organisms establish themselves, they contribute to soil formation through the weathering of rocks and the accumulation of organic matter as they die and decompose. Over time, this creates conditions that allow more complex plants, such as grasses and shrubs, to survive, eventually leading to a more diverse ecosystem.

Each stage of primary succession leads to increased biodiversity and complexity, moving toward a climax community. This process fundamentally shapes the island's ecology and allows for the development of complex ecosystems over time.