Question

Which of the following is not associated with primary succession?

A) Lichen grows on bare rock and breaks it down into soil.
B) Volcanoes formed new islands.
C) A forest completely wiped out by a tsunami.
D) Glaciers retreated and exposed new land.

Answer 1

C) A forest completely wiped out by a tsunami is not associated with primary succession, as it's an example of secondary succession because the soil remains, as opposed to areas like new lava flows or retreated glaciers where primary succession occurs with lichens as pioneer species.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options given, C) A forest completely wiped out by a tsunami is not associated with primary succession. Primary succession occurs on surfaces where no soil exists and life has not previously existed, such as areas with new lava flow or where glaciers have retreated. Lichens are often the pioneer species in these environments, breaking down rock to form soil.

Whereas, a forest destroyed by a tsunami is an example of secondary succession, because the soil remains and previously supported life. In this case, the community can regrow more rapidly compared to primary succession as the soil ecosystem provides a foundation for recolonization.