A wildfire burns through a grassland in the dry Texas Hill Country. The grass on the knolls burns and turns into ash, and the ash forms a layer on the ground. With the first rain, seedlings begin to sprout. Which of the following is most likely to occur in the coming years?
A
The Hill Country will see a decrease in species diversity because the main plants in the area have burned away.
B
The Hill Country will see no change in species diversity because the number of new species will equal the number of old species.
C
The Hill Country will see a decrease then an increase in species diversity because all of the old species will be replaced by new species.
D
The Hill Country will see an increase in species diversity because the soil has been enriched by the ash.