Question

30. A tropical forest is cleared for agriculture, but then abandoned. What are the main stages of stand development that would occur as the area becomes reforested?

Answer 1

The main stages of stand development that occur after the clearing of a tropical forest are the initial stage, early successional stage, mid successional stage, and old-growth stage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Main Stages of Stand Development After Tropical Forest Clearing

1. Initial Stage: After the forest is cleared, pioneer species such as grasses and herbaceous plants colonize the area.
2. Early Successional Stage: Fast-growing, shade-intolerant trees start growing, creating a dense vegetation cover. This stage is often dominated by short-lived tree species.
3. Mid Successional Stage: Shade-tolerant tree species start to establish themselves among the pioneer and early successional species. The tree canopy becomes denser and taller.
4. Old-Growth Stage: The forest reaches a mature state with a diverse tree species composition, well-developed canopy structure, and greater biodiversity. This stage can take several decades to centuries to reach.