Question

What often results in a woodland without frequent fires?

Answer 1

Answer:

Option D, An understory of oak trees

Explanation:

The State and transition models of the oak woodlands are depended on the fire cycle. It is also claimed by researchers that forest fire (disturbances) are important  determinants of the patchy distribution of these vegetation types in woodland.

A woodland with no or without frequent fires has an understory of oak trees comprising of native annual and perennial  trees, grasses and forbs. Most of these native tree , grass, forbs and shrub species vary in amount due to  inadequate fire frequency.

Hence, option D is correct

Answer 2

The answer is D. The understory oak trees are lower than the general canopy of the woodland. Therefore they are significant, especially dead and dry oaks, in the ‘jumping’ of fire from one point to another during wildfires. They are a major aggravator of wildfires in California after they are attacked by Sudden Oak Death (SOD).