After a volcanic eruption, ecosystems undergo a series of events known as succession. A study done by ecologists on Mount St. Helens concludes that primary succession occurs when lupines are able to enrich the soil. Lupines are a nitrogen-fixing plant well adapted to colonizing sterilized ecosystems. However, the progression of the lupine is slowed by a certain predatory caterpillar. What would be the MOST successful strategy for ensuring succession in an area where lupines and the caterpillars both colonize?

A) introduce a controlled fire to begin secondary succession

B) move the caterpillar populations to a different area

C) spread lupine seeds to increase the density of growth

D) replace the lupines with another type of plant

The correct option is C.
From the information given above, it can be seen that, the caterpillar is a predator of the lupine plant. In order to ensure successful succession in the environment, the best thing to do is to increase the density of growth of the lupine plant, so that there will still be enough lupine plant to enrich the soil even though the caterpillar is feeding on them.

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