Question

Which statement BEST hypothesizes the evolutionary history of the area shown?
Responses

A The area was once an ocean and was replaced by taiga and coniferous forest.The area was once an ocean and was replaced by taiga and coniferous forest.

B The area was once covered by an ocean and was replaced by temperate deciduous forest. The area was once covered by an ocean and was replaced by temperate deciduous forest.

C The area was once a temperate deciduous forest and was replaced by a freshwater lake. The area was once a temperate deciduous forest and was replaced by a freshwater lake.

D The area was once a freshwater lake, but it was replaced by the expansion of an ocean.

Answer 1

To determine the best hypothesis about the evolutionary history of the area, we need to consider the typical ecological succession and the geological changes that can occur over time. Given the nature of the options provided, here’s a brief analysis:

- **A** suggests a transition from ocean to taiga and coniferous forest, which is plausible depending on climatic changes and geological uplift.
- **B** suggests a transition from ocean to temperate deciduous forest, which is also a realistic succession.
- **C** suggests a forest being replaced by a freshwater lake, which is less typical and would generally imply a different ecological trajectory.
- **D** suggests a freshwater lake being replaced by an ocean, which contradicts general ecological succession as it suggests a reversal of typical lake ecology.

Considering these analyses, option **B** appears to be the most plausible hypothesis for the evolutionary history of the area, as it reflects common ecological successions following the deposition of sediment from an ocean, leading to the development of a temperate deciduous forest. Hence, the best response is:

**B** The area was once covered by an ocean and was replaced by temperate deciduous forest.