[Campbell Biology P.1221] According to the text, why do forest managers use fire as a tool in... | Practice Question

According to the text, why do forest managers use fire as a tool in some coniferous forests, such as those dominated by longleaf pine in the southeastern United States?

  • A: To eliminate all tree species that are susceptible to wind damage.
  • B: To encourage the growth of broadleaf trees, increasing biodiversity.
  • C: To prevent broadleaf trees from replacing the dominant coniferous species, which depend on periodic burning.
  • D: To prepare the soil for agricultural development after logging.

Explanation

The text states: 'Before agricultural and urban development, much of the southeastern United States was dominated by a single conifer species, the longleaf pine. Without periodic burning, broadleaf trees tended to replace the pines. Forest managers now use fire as a tool to help maintain many coniferous forests.'