Question

what can a drought (lack of rainfall for an extended period) or a wildfire cause to begin?
secondary succession
tertiary succession
primary succession

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze ecological succession:

• Primary succession starts on lifeless, bare surfaces (e.g., volcanic rock).
• Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance (drought, wildfire) destroys existing life but leaves soil/organic matter intact.
• "Tertiary succession" is not a recognized ecological term.

Drought or wildfire are disturbances that leave soil, so they trigger secondary succession.

Answer:

A. secondary succession