Glacier Bay in Alaska is a fjord whose lowlands were covered by glacial ice until around 230 years ago. As the glacier retreated, it left behind sediment that was exposed to plant colonization; remarkably (and fortunately for generations of ecologists), the location of the tip of the retreating glacier has been frequently documented since the late 1700s. This means that scientists have been able to develop a detailed timeline of the changes in the plant community, or _____ in Glacier Bay over time.
A)ecological succession
B)niche diversification
C)niche divergence
D)competitive exclusion
E)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term for the process of plant colonization and change in plant communities over time is ecological succession. This process can be observed and studied in Glacier Bay due to the documented retreat of the glacier, allowing for a detailed timeline of the changes in the plant community.

Glacier Bay in Alaska Is a Fjord Whose Lowlands Were