Question

as glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age, temperatures increased, allowing lakes to form. pioneer plants grew in the dunes near the lakes. farther from the dunes, grasslands and forested areas developed. which process took place after the glaciers melted, allowing grasslands and forests to develop?
genetic mutation
habitat destruction
primary succession
secondary succession

Explanation:

• Genetic mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of an organism. This is not related to the development of grasslands and forests after glacier melting.
• Habitat destruction: The process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. This is the opposite of what is described (development of new plant communities).
• Primary succession: Occurs in lifeless areas (where soil is absent). After glaciers melt, the area was initially without soil (pioneer plants start the process of soil formation and community development).
• Secondary succession: Occurs in areas where a disturbance (like a fire, but not the complete removal of soil as in glacier - melted areas) has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact.

Answer:

C. primary succession