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Multiple Choice
Which situation is most likely to lead to ecological succession?
A
A population of deer migrates to a new area with abundant resources.
B
A river experiences seasonal flooding, temporarily covering the floodplain.
C
A predator-prey relationship stabilizes within an established ecosystem.
D
A forest is destroyed by a wildfire, leaving bare soil and few surviving organisms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of ecological succession: Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance. It can be primary succession (starting from bare rock or soil) or secondary succession (starting from an area where life previously existed but was disrupted).
Analyze the given situations: Evaluate each scenario to determine if it involves a significant disturbance that would lead to ecological succession. For example, migration or seasonal flooding may not cause long-term changes to the ecosystem, while a wildfire could create conditions for succession.
Focus on the wildfire scenario: A forest destroyed by a wildfire leaves bare soil and few surviving organisms, creating an environment where secondary succession can occur. This involves the gradual re-establishment of plant and animal life over time.
Consider the stages of secondary succession: After a wildfire, pioneer species such as grasses and shrubs typically colonize the area first. Over time, larger plants and trees may grow, leading to the reformation of a stable ecosystem.
Conclude why the wildfire scenario is correct: The destruction caused by the wildfire provides the necessary conditions for ecological succession to take place, making it the most likely situation to lead to this process.