The cattle were removed from a field and shrubs and bushes were seen dotting the grass-covered hillsides. A few years later, small pine trees and then larger deciduous trees appeared. Now, there are so many trees and shaded regions it is difficult to tell that this was once a field. What once was an open pasture on a long abandoned farm has changed over time, without the direct influence of human. In this wooded region that was once pasture, a mature forest of towering trees has taken over. However, change is still apparent, as a large patch of young shrubs and small trees are growing where several large trees were toppled by a storm several years ago. Collectively, this wooded regions represents

(a) a climax ecosystem

(b) primary succession

(c) a sustained biome

(d) intermediate succession

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The correct option is a) a climax ecosystem

Explanation:

Secondary succession can be described as a succession which takes place in areas which were destroyed due to a disaster such as human activities or a flood or storm. Initially, small shrubs and bushes start to grow which are replaces by an intermediate community with time. With the passage of time, the intermediate community gets replaced by the climax community like the deciduous trees being described in the question. Hence, the correct option is a) climax ecosystem

the most likely outcome of fewer loon territories is that hawks would increase in proportion because the benefit of victory would be greater. hawks and loons are natural rivals of resources and victories in the game, since the lakes drying up affected the loons, the hawks would be benefited from the drought.