The forest ranger explained to the group on the ecology walk that the

The forest ranger explained to the group on the ecology walk that the woods around them, dominated by beech and maple trees, were representative within that region of an ecological climax community. Before climax an area is in constant change as the initial simple vegetation, through the natural process of decay, enriches the soil, enabling it to sustain more complex plant and animal life. The sequence of development leading up to the climax community of beeches and maples starts with sand on which grasses grow, causing stability and eventual enrichment of the soil until conifers and then oaks grow, resulting finally in the ascendance of the present beeches and maples.

The forest ranger is assuming which one of the following?


A. No conifers or oaks are present in this particular climax community.

B. The evolution of a forest does not conform to typical growth patterns.

C. The animal life of an ecological community has no effect on soil enrichment.

D. Within the region, unenriched sand cannot sustain trees like beeches and maples.

E. After the climax of an ecological community, no further ecological change takes place