Question

1. lava flows from a volcano on a tropical island. the lava covers an area containing grasses and shrubs. the burning edge of the lava starts a fire in an adjacent area of grasses and shrubs. this area burns completely but is not covered with lava. a. which type of succession will take place in each area? explain your answers. (2 points) b. which of the two areas is likely to take less time to get back to its original state before the lava flow? why? (2 points)

Explanation:

a. In the area covered by lava, primary succession will occur as the lava has destroyed all life and soil, starting from bare rock. In the area that burned but was not covered by lava, secondary succession will occur since soil and some seeds or root - systems may still be present.
b. The area that burned but was not covered by lava is likely to take less time to get back to its original state. This is because secondary succession starts with an existing soil base and remnants of life, while primary succession starts from scratch on bare rock.

Answer:

a. Area covered by lava: Primary succession. Area that burned but not covered by lava: Secondary succession.
b. The area that burned but was not covered by lava, because it has an existing soil base and remnants of life for secondary succession to start from.