Forests that regrew since the 1920s are not as ______________ as they were originally.

• A. Older
• B. Complex
• C. Diverse
• D. Large

Answer: (B)

Structural complexity and habitat diversity are being examined here. When forests regrow after disturbances since the 1920s, they typically form second-growth stands that are younger, with a more uniform age and species composition. This creates a simpler forest structure: fewer large, old trees, fewer vertical layers, and less deadwood, which means fewer niches and interactions for wildlife. Because of that, regrown forests are not as complex as the original forests, which tended to have a richer, multi-layered structure and more intricate ecological relationships. While size or diversity can increase over time, the immediate and most noticeable difference is the level of structural complexity.