Question

in a forest ecosystem, a catastrophic wildfire burns a large area. over the next several decades, small plants and grasses begin to grow, followed by shrubs, and eventually new trees. in this example, what is the main cause of the changes that the community undergoes?
a seasonal variation, because the ecosystem will eventually return to its original state.
primary succession, because the fire completely destroyed all life in the area.
secondary succession, because the soil and some life remained after the disturbance.
a result of climate change, because wildfires are becoming more frequent.

Explanation:

Primary succession occurs on a new substrate with no soil or life, while secondary succession happens in an area where soil and some life remain after a disturbance. Here, after the wild - fire, soil and some life remained. Seasonal variation is a short - term cyclic change, not applicable here. Climate change is a long - term trend and not the main cause of this immediate community change.

Answer:

C. Secondary succession, because the soil and some life remained after the disturbance