. The types of herbaceous plants changed at different times during succession. For example, ragweed (which grows well in full sun and completes its life cycle in one year) was very common in the first year after a farm field was abandoned, but less common in later years. In contrast, wild strawberry (which can grow in partial shade and grows back each spring from its roots) was more common in years 25-40. Explain the likely reasons for these changes in the types of plants at different times during succession