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 move giant boulders and change the physical shape of the landscape.
They move giant boulders and change the physical shape of the landscape.

They will never grow back after they melt.
They will never grow back after they melt.

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.

Answer 1

The most accurate response to why the melting and subsequent retreat of glaciers is considered an extreme disturbance is:

**They leave behind bare rock with no established ecosystem.**

This is because the retreat of glaciers exposes previously covered ground, which can lead to significant changes in the landscape and ecosystems, often resulting in a lack of immediate vegetation and wildlife.