Use This Description to Answer the Following Question

question 61

Multiple Choice

Use this description to answer the following question.
In areas of permafrost, stands of black spruce are frequently observed in the landscape, while other tree species are noticeably absent. Often these stands are referred to as "drunken forests" because many of the black spruce are displaced from their normal vertical alignment.
-What might be the adaptive significance of these unusual forests growing the way they do in this marginal habitat?

• A) Needles are adapted to withstand cold arctic temperatures.
• B) Branches are adapted to absorb more CO₂ with this displaced alignment.
• C) Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds.
• D) Trees are tilted so snow prevents them from breaking or tipping over.
• E) Trees tip so that they do not compete with each other for sunlight.

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Definitions:

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Outbreaks of diseases that spread rapidly and extensively by infection among many individuals in an area or a population at the same time.

Smallpox

Smallpox was a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the Variola virus, characterized by fever and a distinctive skin rash. It was declared eradicated in 1980 thanks to a global vaccination campaign.

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Practices or ceremonies performed within a community to address collective trauma, illness, or conflict, aiming at emotional or physical healing.

Mourning Wars

Conflicts engaged in by indigenous peoples of the northeastern Americas primarily as a way to obtain captives to replace lost community members.