A model of ecological succession is shown. Which TWO natural events would lead to this type of succession? (Select TWO)
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clear-cutting of a forest
wind damage from a tornado
lava flow from a volcano
flooding with soil erosion
retreat of a glacier
wind damage from a tornado and lava flow from a volcano.
The TWO natural events that would lead to this type of ecological succession are:
1. Clear-cutting of a forest: When a forest is clear-cut, all the vegetation is removed, creating a blank canvas for new plant species to colonize the area and initiate the process of succession.
2. Wind damage from a tornado: When a tornado passes through an area, it can uproot trees and remove vegetation, opening up space for new species to establish and begin the process of succession.
To determine which natural events would lead to this type of succession, we first need to understand what ecological succession is. Ecological succession refers to the process of gradual and predictable changes in the species composition and structure of an ecological community over time.
Looking at the given options, we need to identify the two events that would cause significant disturbances, leading to a change in the existing community and initiating ecological succession. Here's how we can analyze each event:
1. Clear-cutting of a forest: Clear-cutting involves the complete removal of all trees in a specific area. This event can cause significant disturbances and remove the existing vegetation, allowing for the colonization and growth of new species. Clear-cutting can lead to primary succession, where new plant species populate the area.
2. Wind damage from a tornado: Tornadoes are powerful natural phenomena that can cause severe destruction. When a tornado passes through an area, it can uproot trees, destroy vegetation, and create a blank canvas for ecological succession. The absence of existing vegetation allows new pioneer species to colonize and start the process of succession.
3. Lava flow from a volcano: When a volcano erupts, it can release lava flows that destroy existing ecosystems. While volcanic activity can initiate succession by exposing new land, the extreme conditions caused by the hot lava may take a long time for life to establish again. Therefore, this event is less likely to directly lead to ecological succession.
4. Flooding with soil erosion: Flooding can result in soil erosion, which can cause significant damage to existing vegetation and disrupt the ecological balance of an area. However, flooding by itself does not necessarily lead to ecological succession. Succession is more likely to occur if there is a combination of flooding and subsequent changes, such as the deposition of new sediment or changes in water flow patterns.
5. Retreat of a glacier: As a glacier retreats, it leaves behind unoccupied land. This process can lead to succession, with new plant species gradually colonizing the exposed land. Succession after glacial retreat is commonly observed in areas that were once covered by glaciers.
Based on the explanations above, the TWO natural events that could lead to this type of succession are: clear-cutting of a forest and wind damage from a tornado.