After a volcanic eruption, lava flowed over an area and then cooled to form a thick layer of new rock. One thousand years later, a thriving forest with diverse flora and fauna is found in that area, even though evidence suggests that several large forest fires have occurred.
Answer
A
Secondary succession occurred, followed by several primary successions.
B
Only secondary successions occurred.
C
Primary succession occurred, followed by several secondary successions.
D
Only primary successions occurred.
Explanation
Lava cooled into new rock, leaving an area without established soil or life, so the forest first developed through primary succession. Later, forest fires disturbed an existing ecosystem, but soil remained, allowing recovery through secondary succession. Thus, primary succession was followed by several secondary successions.
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