Correct option is C
The 'Empty Forest' concept specifically refers to forests that have been depleted of large mammal species, often as a result of human activities such as hunting, habitat destruction, or other anthropogenic impacts. Despite the presence of trees and plants, the absence of these large animals can drastically alter the dynamics of the forest ecosystem. Large mammals play key roles in seed dispersal, vegetation control, and maintaining the forest's biodiversity, so their loss can lead to a less functional ecosystem.
Information Booster:
- The term 'Empty Forest' highlights the phenomenon where a forest appears to be full of trees, but lacks the biodiversity, particularly large mammals, that it once had.
- Large mammals are key to various ecosystem functions, such as seed dispersal and maintaining vegetation balance.
- Anthropogenic impacts, including hunting and habitat destruction, have caused a reduction in large mammal populations, leading to this phenomenon.
- Ecological imbalance can occur as a result of missing large mammals, such as the decline in plant diversity, reduced regeneration of certain plant species, and changes in forest structure.
- The Empty Forest concept serves as a warning for the loss of biodiversity and the subtle impacts of human activities on ecosystems.
Additional Information:
Option (a) - Absence of large trees: This is incorrect because 'Empty Forest' refers to the lack of large mammals, not the absence of large trees. The trees may still be present, but they may not be effectively maintained due to the loss of large mammals.
Option (b) - Less species diversity due to natural reasons: This is incorrect because the concept of 'Empty Forest' is more closely tied to anthropogenic impacts (human activities) rather than natural causes.
Option (d) - Loss of habitat: While loss of habitat can contribute to the disappearance of large mammals, the 'Empty Forest' specifically refers to the lack of these animals due to human-caused disturbances, rather than habitat loss alone.
