Growth of new grasses and shrubs on a patch of forest burnt down by forest fire, is a an example of __________

Options

A. secondary succession
B. pioneer species
C. climax species
D. primary succession

Answer

To solve the question about the growth of new grasses and shrubs on a patch of forest burnt down by a forest fire, we will analyze the concepts of ecological succession.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Succession**: Succession is the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. It involves a series of changes in the species composition of an ecosystem.

2. **Types of Succession**: There are two main types of succession:
- **Primary Succession**: This occurs in lifeless areas where there is no soil, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat. It starts from bare rock or newly formed land.
- **Secondary Succession**: This occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but soil and some organisms still remain. Examples include areas after forest fires, floods, or human activities like farming.

3. **Analyzing the Given Scenario**: In the question, we are presented with a situation where a forest has been burnt down by a fire, and new grasses and shrubs are starting to grow. This indicates that there was previously a community of plants (the forest) that was destroyed by the fire, but the soil and some seeds or roots may still be present.

4. **Identifying the Correct Type of Succession**: Since the area had vegetation before the fire and is now experiencing regrowth, this is an example of **secondary succession**. The presence of soil and some remnants of the previous community allows for a quicker recovery compared to primary succession.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the growth of new grasses and shrubs on a patch of forest burnt down by a forest fire is an example of **secondary succession**.