Question

the red - cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species living in the southeastern us. two of the primary factors that have contributed to the species decline in numbers are:
(1) old pine trees required by nesting sites have been cleared and logged by humans.
(2) humans have suppressed wildfires, which normally clear out other kinds of trees (hardwoods) from the understory. these hardwoods damage the woodpeckers habitat and prevent new pines from growing.
how could humans manage fire as part of a multi - step plan to restore the stability of the red - cockaded woodpeckers ecosystem?
a. use prescribed fires to clear out understory growth and help new pines grow.
b. install irrigation systems to help prevent fires in the understory.
c. use controlled fires to burn only the pine trees so the understory trees can grow.
d. use controlled fires to clear all the old pine trees and understory growth.

Explanation:

The red - cockaded woodpecker's decline is due to loss of old pine trees and suppression of understory fires. Controlled fires can clear understory growth (hardwoods) and promote new pine growth, which is beneficial for the woodpecker's habitat.

Answer:

A. Use controlled fires to clear out understory growth and help new pines grow