Question

The Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California is a forest of giant coastal redwood trees that can live 2,200 years and grow to be over 110 meters tall. When such a large tree falls in the forest, it can take up to 400 years to decay. How does the decaying of a fallen redwood contribute to the health of the forest?

1) It repels earthworms and insects.
2) It provides nutrients to other organisms.
3) It shelters young plants from the sunlight.
4) It allows depleted soil to be washed away.

Answer 1

The decaying of a fallen redwood enriches the soil with nutrients, shelters young plants, and contributes to ecological succession, thereby supporting the forest's health and biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decaying of a fallen redwood contributes to the health of the forest primarily by providing nutrients to other organisms. As the giant tree decomposes, it becomes a source of nourishment for a variety of forest life, including plants, fungi, and invertebrates. This process of nutrient recycling enriches the soil, making it more fertile and sustaining the forest ecosystem. Furthermore, the fallen tree can create gaps in the forest canopy, which can shelter young plants from intense sunlight, allowing them to grow without the direct competition for sunlight with larger trees. Over time, this promotes biodiversity and the continued growth of the forest. The fallen redwood also becomes habitat for many species, contributing to the climax community of the forest, thus playing a vital role in ecological succession.