Problem 9 - AP Psychology Premium Prep 2021

Question

Costa Rica is plentiful with many beautiful tropical rainforests. For a long time, cattle farmers cleared much of the forests for their livestock. However, in recent decades, the government has placed more emphasis on reforestation. Several fields are now being reclaimed by the rainforest. One such field has many long grasses, a few tall palms, and some dense shrubbery along the periphery of the field. This field can be said to be (A) invaded by pioneer species (B) a product of secondary succession (C) a climax community (D) filled with invasive species

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(B) A product of secondary succession

Step 1: Description of the Options

(A) Invaded by pioneer species: Pioneer species are the first species to appear in an area after a disturbance. They are hardy species able to survive and reproduce in environments with limited resources. They initiate the process of ecological succession, which is the change in the structure and composition of an ecosystem. (B) A product of secondary succession: In secondary succession, an ecosystem recovers after a disturbance that did not destroy the entire ecosystem. In this case, the new community forms on top of the remains of the old one. (C) A climax community: A climax community is a relatively stable, diverse, and complex community that has reached its peak development and can only change with the climate or by a significant disturbance. (D) Filled with invasive species: Invasive species are non-native species that have been introduced to an area and are outcompeting native species for resources.

Step 2: Analyzing the Field Scenario

The field in Costa Rica was previously cleared by cattle farmers, and now the rainforest is starting to reclaim it. This scenario suggests that the field is undergoing a process of ecological succession, where various plant species are starting to grow again to recolonize the field.

Step 3: Choosing the Correct Option

Given that the process seems to be ecological succession and the field was not entirely destroyed, we can conclude that the field is experiencing secondary succession. Thus, the correct answer is: (B) A product of secondary succession