How are the benefits of wildfires in grasslands and northern forests similar?

• A. Both increase the population of invasive species by removing all native plants.
• B. Both prevent animal migration by creating permanent barriers.
• C. Both decrease soil fertility by burning away all nutrients.
• D. Both promote the regeneration of native plant species by clearing out accumulated dead material.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the ecological role of wildfires: Wildfires are natural events that play a critical role in maintaining the health of certain ecosystems, such as grasslands and northern forests. They help clear out dead plant material and make room for new growth.
2. Analyze the benefits of wildfires in grasslands: In grasslands, wildfires remove accumulated dead grass and organic matter, which allows sunlight to reach the soil and promotes the germination of native plant seeds.
3. Analyze the benefits of wildfires in northern forests: In northern forests, wildfires clear out dead trees, fallen leaves, and other debris. This process creates space for new plants to grow and allows nutrients to return to the soil, supporting the regeneration of native plant species.
4. Compare the benefits in both ecosystems: Both grasslands and northern forests benefit from wildfires in a similar way—they promote the regeneration of native plant species by clearing out accumulated dead material, which reduces competition and creates favorable conditions for new growth.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The other options provided in the question are incorrect because wildfires do not primarily increase invasive species, create permanent barriers, or decrease soil fertility. Instead, they play a restorative role in these ecosystems.