When forest fires destroyed many of the pine trees in Bastrop State Park, the burned areas began secondary succession. What is the role of succession in this example? *
A. Creating new soil by chemical and physical weathering of rocks
B. Restoring the ecosystem through grass, shrub, and tree stages
C. Changing the landscape to be more fire resistant in the future
D. Opening the land for new uses like farming and raising livestock
What is the answer
The correct answer is B. Restoring the ecosystem through grass, shrub, and tree stages.
Succession refers to the process of ecological change over time in an area after a disturbance such as a fire or a natural disaster. In the case of the forest fires in Bastrop State Park, the burned areas started secondary succession. This means that after the fire, the ecosystem is not starting from scratch but is building upon preexisting soil and vegetation.
In this example, succession plays a crucial role in restoring the ecosystem. Initially, grasses, shrubs, and small plants will colonize the barren landscape. These early colonizers, known as pioneer species, can tolerate harsh conditions and help stabilize the soil. As the soil becomes richer in organic matter and nutrients, larger plants like shrubs and trees can establish themselves, further enhancing the restoration process.
Through different stages of succession, the ecosystem gradually recovers and regains its biodiversity. The new plants provide habitat, food sources, and shelter for various organisms, contributing to the overall health and functioning of the ecosystem. Eventually, the ecosystem can become similar to its pre-fire state or even evolve into a new and different ecosystem.
Therefore, the role of succession in this example is to restore the ecosystem by facilitating the establishment of a diverse community of grasses, shrubs, and trees.