Question

A field in New York State is mowed all summer long for a number of years. The field is

sold, and the new owner decides to stop mowing. Over a number of years, the ecosystem
begins to undergo ecological succession. After a series of different plant communities are
present, the area eventually becomes a stable forest ecosystem.
Describe how this forest ecosystem would respond to a natural disaster,
such as a flood, that resulted in the destruction of the plant community.
2pt

Answer 1

If a natural disaster destroys a plant community in a forest ecosystem, the ecosystem will undergo a process of ecological succession to recover and restore balance. During this process, the plant community will change as different species colonize the area and establish themselves. As the ecosystem becomes more stable and diverse, it will become more resilient to future disasters. This process may take several years or decades to complete.