Question

page 12 of 12 Extreme Disturbances in Ecosystems Quick Check 3 of 53 of 5 Items Question The melting and subsequent retreat of glaciers is a long process that may take centuries. Why is something so slow considered an extreme disturbance?(1 point) Responses They will never grow back after they melt. They will never grow back after they melt. They move giant boulders and change the physical shape of the landscape. They move giant boulders and change the physical shape of the landscape. They strip away trees and destroy everything as they move. They strip away trees and destroy everything as they move. They leave behind bare rock with no established ecosystem. They leave behind bare rock with no established ecosystem. Skip to navigation

Answer 1

The correct response to why the melting and retreat of glaciers is considered an extreme disturbance is: **They leave behind bare rock with no established ecosystem.**

This is because, as glaciers melt, they can significantly alter the landscape, removing existing vegetation and leaving behind areas that are devoid of soil and biological communities, thus requiring a long time for ecosystems to re-establish themselves.