Question

13. Researchers are studying lichens growing on trees in a forest ecosystem. At the beginning of the study, the researchers identified twelve

lichen species in the forest. Later, a forest fire happened in the study area. The researchers returned to the area and found only six lichen
species.
Which inference is best supported from the researchers' observations?

Answer 1

The forest fire had a negative impact on the lichen species diversity in the forest ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best inference supported from the researchers' observation of a decrease in the number of lichen species after a forest fire is that the forest fire negatively impacted the lichen species diversity in the forest ecosystem. Before the fire, there were twelve lichen species, and after the fire, only six lichen species were found. This suggests that the fire likely destroyed or had adverse effects on some of the lichen species, reducing their population.