Question

When high winds knocked down pine trees in a wooded region, it created a gap in the crowded canopy and allowed sunlight to all on the ground.

The increased sunlight allowed a dense growth of raspberry plants which protected young pine seedlings from being eaten by herbivores. Over time, the
pine seedlings grew and blocked sunlight from falling on the woodland floor, thereby preventing growth of more raspberry plants. Which of these terms
BEST describes the process of change observed in this woodlands community?
a. natural selection
b. ecological succession
c. cooperation
d. adaptation

Answer 1

Answer is option B, i.e. ecological succession.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ecological succession can be understood as a slow process of change that takes place in the ecology or ecosystem over a given period of time. One species takes over the other species naturally and gradually with changing condition that falls favorable for the former. Here, in the above mentioned case, the Raspberry plants took over the habitat of Pine trees after they were knocked down by the winds. With the passage of time and favorable conditions for the pine seedling, they took over the plantation area again.