Question

Use the following scenario to answer questions

In the case of Krakatau, which is a volcanic island in Indonesia, we have many recordings of its recolonization by life forms after the 1883 eruption which wiped the island clean of all preceding life forms. One of the first groups of organisms to colonize was that of spiders and insects. After a year Krakatau was home to at least three species of birds and a young forest of mangroves on the coast. In higher elevations, grasslands were found and several lizard species were seen scurrying across rocks where the grass had not yet taken over. The insect diversity had also increased, but the original two bird species that nested on Krakatau were no longer found.

19.How can the extinction or disappearance of the two original bird species be explained?

20.What might be the next colonizing organism? Why?

Answer 1

19. The volcanic eruptions at Krakatau would have destroyed the bird habitat of the region. Also the series of volcanic eruptions may have had an impact on the climate of the island, thereby affecting the survival abilities of the birds. This may be the prime reason behind the extinction or disappearance of birds from Krakatau Island.

20. The next colonizing organism after insects can be microorganisms. Microorganisms feed on the insect excreta and riding on the body of the insects can help them in surviving.