Question

Forests dominated by gymnosperms tend to have mechanisms to allow it to regenerate after a fire. As a consequence this type of forest ______________.
a. dominate areas where the U.S Forest Service does not put out fires.
b. only lives 20-30 years
c. is dominated by trees of a single age
d. has no overstory species

Answer 1

Answer:

Forests dominated by gymnosperms tend to have mechanisms to allow it to regenerate after a fire. As a consequence this type of forest is dominated by trees of single age .

Explanation:

• It is possible to conclude the question given above in many ways. After a forest fire in a specific forest patch occurs, the impacts are determined by the severity of the fire and the type of forest in which the occurrence occurs. Usually, the dramatic effect on the trees and plants that can be seen in that region can be seen after such an occurrence has occurred. In certain situations, the situation can also worsen, leading to the destruction of the entire cover, if the circumstances favor the propagation of fires. In such cases, the removal of the prevailing structure can lead to the formation of a new forest structure through a mechanism called 'succession,' in which there is a sequence of progression in a biologically acceptable manner through the growth of different plant species. Simply put, the new plants will attempt to adapt or acclimatize to the conditions introduced after forest fire in such a way that this will later provide the route for the growth of plants and trees that can not easily accommodate in the harsh conditions. Therefore, instead of the forest surviving for a short period of time following a forest fire occurrence, there would be changes in the nature of the forest. This suggests that option 'B' is not the response that is most suitable.
• Choice 'A' appears to be logically inaccurate, taking into account that if they are of high intensity, fires may be uncontrollable. In addition, there is no clear mention of the fire's region of origin and which trees are most affected. Typically, gymnosperms illustrate a simple process in which they can not limit their destruction from the flames, while they can provide a way for their progeny to initiate next generation development in the form of seed. This occurs in the case of Gymnosperms in which, under ordinary conditions, the seeds of the plants are enclosed within a cone that is restricted from germinating. Although the fires pave the way for the seeds to germinate under certain fire conditions, which in turn leads to the emergence of the next generation of gymnosperms, and several studies indicate that these newly introduced seeds would have the same age as choice 'C' indicated. But, as this is not under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service, legally, option 'A' tends to be wrong. At the same time, it can be seen that forest fires are not consistent in their coverage in certain cases, and thus the chances of dispersal and germination tend to be not even and thus choice 'C' can be reported to be either correct or incorrect in all possible ways.
• But, first, it is important to know what an overstory is for the option 'D'. A forest consists of trees of all sizes, from the smallest to the tallest pine trees. The uppermost element that is directly in contact with the light from the sun is the overstory. The manner in which the degree of overstory damage occurs depends on the moisture content of the trees and the other associated conditions around the trees. Taking this into account, a forest fire may either lead to the loss of an entire overstory or can have impacts that are confined to plants and trees at the ground level. So, even the 'D' option can be right or inappropriate. But, therefore, choice 'C' should be the most suitable response, taking into account that most studies indicate growth of single-age trees due to germination mediated in the presence of fire. This seems to be scientifically right for a small patch where there was also fire-mediated damage. Accordingly, the most suitable response should be option 'C'.

Hence , the correct option is C.