Use the following scenario to answer questions In the case of Krakatau, which is
ID: 302696 • Letter: U
Question
Use the following scenario to answer questions
In the case of Krakatau, which is a volcanic island in Indonesia, we have many recordings of its recolonization by life forms after the 1883 eruption which wiped the island clean of all preceding life forms. One of the first groups of organisms to colonize was that of spiders and insects. Within 4-6 months small weed like plants and a few saplings of mangroves have sprouted on the coastal edges of Krakatau. The seeds of these plants came by floating, on driftwood pieces and the fecal deposits of visiting birds.
16.How does the opened landscape of Krakatau enable these seeds to survive?
17.How might the first plant species determine the future ecology of Krakatau?
18.How might the colonization of plants effect the colonization of other living species?
Explanation / Answer
A) Krakatau as mentioned in the question had coastal edges which signifies plenty of water being available to the growing plants. The seeds of the plants came to the island by driftwood pieces and fecal deposits of visiting birds which kept enriching the soil by decomposition processes. These processes enabled these seeds to survive easily in such an opened landscape as it had all the essential requirements for the plants to survive such as enriched soil, water and air with temperatures warm enough to let the plants survive easily.
B) Future ecology of krakatau is determined by the first plant species as these species gave way to the miratory birds which might be feeding on these plants. The birds might bring seeds of different plant forms which can then grow around the plant species if they are synergistically compatibile. These plants would therefore support plants and animals compatible with itself.
C) Colonization of plants affects the colonization of other living species for the same reasons as it affects the ecology. The animals that are able to feed well on the plants and then other animals that will feed on the previously colonized animals will pave way for their colonization.