Question

Trees in a large forest are being cut for timber. There are almost not understory shrubs in this area; just mature evergreen greens, some grasses and other low-growing plants. If left alone for the next decade, the forest should re-establish itself. New trees will grow. All BUT ONE is a reason for this new growth.

There is already an established soil profile.

There is already an existing seed bank of suitable plants in the area and soil.

Lichens are present in the area to help create soil and improve soil fertility.

Root systems undisturbed in the soil, stumps and other plant parts from previously existing plants can help with regrowth.

Answer 1

"Lichens are present..." is the one that is NOT a real reason here.

Why: lichens are important pioneers for primary succession (creating soil on bare rock) and can slowly add nutrients, but in a forest where a soil profile and seed bank already exist and root systems/stumps remain (a case of secondary succession), lichens play little if any role in the relatively rapid re‑establishment of trees over a decade. The real drivers here are the existing soil, seed bank, and vegetative regrowth from roots/stumps.