Final answer:
The author unfolds the idea that mountain pine beetles are a major threat to lodgepole pine trees by describing the beetles' life cycle, explaining their ecological impact, and discussing the economic consequences of their presence.
Step-by-step explanation:
To unfold the idea that mountain pine beetles are a major threat to lodgepole pine trees, the author takes the following approach:
First, the author describes the life cycle of the mountain pine beetles, providing information about their reproductive behavior and ability to infest trees.
Then, the author explains the ecological impact of the infestation, highlighting how the beetles kill a large proportion of the trees in affected forests.
Finally, the author discusses the economic consequences of the beetles' presence, emphasizing the challenges faced by forest management and fire management due to the extensive damage caused by the beetles.