Question

13. In a forest, why do you rarely see young pine trees growing under a broad-leaved tree, such as a maple? If broad-leaved trees eventually take over a forest as pines die off, how does that affect other organisms living in the forest? How does it affect this forest ecosystem?*​

Answer 1

Answer:/Explanation:

Broad leaved trees would block the sunlight due to the size of their leaves. This would reduce the amount of sunlight that the pine tree could absorb, and would therefore inhibit its ability to efficiently perform photosynthesis. This would reduce the amount of food it could synthesise, and interfere with its growth and reproduction.

Without pine trees, the diversity of the ecosystem would be reduced. Several organisms rely on pine seeds and leaves as a food source. In the absence of pine trees, competition for other food sources could increase, and certain birds, squirrels etc. could die off.

Pine trees are also a habitat for many birds and small creatures. Without these trees, these animals could struggle to find efficient shelter.