Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides reproduce via rhizomes, creating immense colo

Question

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides reproduce via rhizomes, creating immense colonies that may include thousands of trees. One colony in Utah, nicknamed Pando, consists of a grove of ~47000 trunks. Despite their massive size, scientists worry that these stands are vulnerable - why? The underground connections between stems may facilitate forest fire. Because they are essentially clones, their low genetic variability makes the population vulnerable to plant diseases. Because they are genetically uniform, they are desirable to logging companies. Insect pest species can burrow from rhizome to rhizome.

Explanation / Answer

Answer: Because they are essentially clones, their low genetic variability makes the population vulnerable to plant diseases.

Explanation: Genetic diversity enables organisms to adapt to the environment and is thus helpful for their survival.

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