Which of the following is likely to occur in a deciduous forest during the dry season?
Answer Details
During the dry season in a deciduous forest, the ground becomes dry and water is scarce. As a result, the trees and plants in the forest adapt to conserve water. One common adaptation is the shedding of leaves, which helps to reduce water loss through transpiration. Therefore, new leaves are unlikely to be formed during the dry season. Instead, the trees enter a period of dormancy, conserving energy and resources until the rains return. This period of dormancy can give the appearance that the trees are dead, but they are actually alive and waiting for better conditions to resume growth. The undergrowth may also decrease during the dry season, as plants and animals struggle to survive in the dry conditions. The ground may become covered in dry leaves and other plant debris, but it is unlikely to become completely bare.