adaptation cooperation natural selection ecological succession
I gave my students this multiple choice question: When high winds knocked down pine trees in a wooded region, it created a gap in the crowded canopy and allowed sunlight to fall on the ground. The increased sunlight allowed a dense growth of raspberry plants which protected young pine seedlings from being eaten by herbivores. Over time, the pine seedlings grew and blocked sunlight from falling on the woodland floor, thereby preventing growth of more raspberry plants. Which of these terms best describes the process of change observed in this woodlands community?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- adaptation
- cooperation
- natural selection
- ecological succession

Could you tell me which one is correct?

ecological succession