Question

Describe how a rain forest can reach a point when it cannot be restored by secondary ecological succession. A) The soil becomes depleted of nutrients and unable to support plant growth.

B) The native plant species are replaced by invasive species that dominate the ecosystem.
C) The natural water sources are disrupted or contaminated, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
D) All of the above.

Answer 1

A rainforest can reach a point where it cannot be restored by secondary ecological succession due to depleted soil nutrients, invasive species dominance, and disrupted water sources.

Step-by-step explanation:

A rainforest can reach a point where it cannot be restored by secondary ecological succession when:

1. The soil becomes depleted of nutrients and unable to support plant growth. The rainforest relies on nutrient-rich soil, and if the nutrients are leached out or removed, plants cannot grow effectively.
2. The native plant species are replaced by invasive species that dominate the ecosystem. Invasive species can outcompete native species, leading to a loss of biodiversity and disruption of the ecosystem's balance.
3. The natural water sources are disrupted or contaminated, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Water is crucial for supporting life in a rainforest, and if the natural water sources are disrupted or contaminated, it can lead to a decline in biodiversity.

When all of these factors occur, the rainforest may not be able to recover through secondary ecological succession.