tpo 20

Both passages refer to whether the effects of a forest fire caused in 1988, due to the policy "let it burn", were beneficial or not. The passage supports its negative consequences, while the lecturer contradicts the reading's arguments.

First of all, according to the aural passage, the reading's claim that the fire affected the vegetation of the forest adversely is invalid. The lecturer cites, that due to the fire many scorched areas have been colonized by new plants increasing their diversification. As an example, areas with no trees foster the growth of small plants that need open areas in order to develop. Moreover, exposure in sunlight is essential for the termination of plant seeds.

Secondly, the passage states that the fire influenced the wildlife in a negative way, because many species ran way or died there. However, the lecturer asserts that the animal population recovered completely. In addition, given that many small plants grew, Yellowstone became an ideal habitat for new small animals like rabbits, that attracted more predators.

Finally, the article mentions that the fire created an unappealing image for the tourists, who stopped visiting it. Conversely, the lecturer claims that an occurrence like this is highly unlikely to happen again, because it was a result of complex natural variables, such as rainfall, winds. In addition, many tourists keep visiting this place every year.