Question

a severe wildfire has swept through a natural forest, leaving only scorched earth and a few surviving trees. which of the following best predicts the long - term changes in biodiversity and biomass as the ecosystem recovers?
a. biodiversity will decrease, but biomass will increase as fast - growing plants re - colonize the area.
b. both biodiversity and biomass will gradually increase as secondary succession progresses toward a climax community.
c. both biodiversity and biomass will remain low because the fire destroyed all the soil.
d. the ecosystem will recover to its original state quickly, with no significant long - term changes.

Explanation:

After a severe wildfire in a natural forest with some soil and surviving trees left, secondary succession will occur. Secondary succession is the process by which an ecosystem recovers after a disturbance that leaves some soil and organisms intact. As secondary succession progresses towards a climax community, both biodiversity (the variety of life - forms) and biomass (the total mass of living organisms) gradually increase. Fast - growing plants will start to colonize first, and over time, more complex plant and animal species will return, increasing biodiversity and biomass.

Answer:

B. Both biodiversity and biomass will gradually increase as secondary succession progresses toward a climax community