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Multiple Choice
Which type of ecological change was primarily observed in the ecosystems affected by the 1988 fires in Yellowstone Park?
A
Speciation
B
Genetic drift
C
Secondary succession
D
Primary succession
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of ecological succession: Ecological succession refers to the natural process by which ecosystems recover and develop over time after a disturbance. It is categorized into primary succession (occurs in areas where no previous life existed, such as bare rock) and secondary succession (occurs in areas where life previously existed but was disrupted).
Analyze the context of the 1988 Yellowstone fires: The fires affected ecosystems that already had established soil, plants, and animal life before the disturbance. This indicates that the area was not devoid of life prior to the event.
Differentiate between primary and secondary succession: Primary succession begins in lifeless areas, such as volcanic lava flows or glacial retreats, where soil formation is required. Secondary succession occurs in areas where the ecosystem is disrupted but soil and some organisms remain, allowing recovery to begin more quickly.
Apply the concept to the Yellowstone fires: Since the fires occurred in an area with pre-existing soil and life, the recovery process involved regrowth of plants and re-establishment of animal populations, which aligns with secondary succession.
Conclude that the ecological change observed in the Yellowstone fires was secondary succession, as the ecosystem recovered from a disturbance without starting from a completely lifeless state.