In ecological succession, the intermediate developmental phase is known as

The correct option is sere.

Understanding Ecological Succession:
Ecological succession is the gradual and predictable process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. It starts from a relatively barren area and progresses toward a stable, self-sustaining community.

Breaking Down the Developmental Phases:
To understand why the intermediate phase is called a sere, let us look at the key terminologies involved in ecological succession:
1. Nudation: This is the initial stage where a bare area is created without any form of life.
2. Ecesis: This refers to the successful establishment of a pioneer species in the new bare area.
3. Sere (Seral Stages/Communities): The entire sequence of communities that transiently occupy an area during ecological succession is called a sere. The individual transitional communities are called seral stages or seral communities. These represent the intermediate, developmental phases where species composition continuously changes in response to environmental modifications.
4. Climax: This is the final, stable, and ultimate developmental stage of succession that is in equilibrium with the local climate.

Therefore, the intermediate developmental phase in ecological succession is known as a sere.