A certain species of pine tree survives only in scattered locations at elevations above 2,800 m in the western United States. To understand why this tree grows only in these specific places, an ecologist should
A) conclude that lower elevations are limiting to the survival of this species.
B) study the anatomy and physiology of this species.
C) investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude.
D) analyze the soils found in the vicinity of these trees, looking for unique chemicals that may support their growth.
E) collect data on temperature, wind, and precipitation at several of these locations for a year.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Investigating the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude is the best option to understand why this tree grows only in specific locations. This would help to identify the limiting factors that affect the survival of this species and why it is restricted to certain locations at high elevations. Studying the anatomy and physiology of the species (B), analyzing the soils (D), and collecting data on temperature, wind, and precipitation (E) could also provide useful information, but they would be secondary to investigating the unique biotic and abiotic factors at high altitude (C). Concluding that lower elevations are limiting to the survival of this species (A) is not necessarily supported by the given information.

A Certain Species of Pine Tree Survives Only in Scattered