In ecological terms, what is likely to occur after a major disturbance like a tornado?

After a major disturbance such as a tornado, the most likely ecological response is secondary succession. This process occurs in areas where a disturbance has cleared the existing vegetation but left the soil intact, allowing for the rapid regrowth of plant life.

In the aftermath of a tornado, the destruction of trees and other vegetation creates a new environment with available resources like sunlight and nutrients in the soil. Species that are adapted to learn how to thrive in disturbed environments, such as grasses and certain fast-growing plants, will quickly colonize the area. Over time, these pioneer species can alter the environment, allowing for the establishment of a more diverse community as conditions improve.

In contrast, primary succession would occur in an area devoid of soil, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat, which is not applicable here. Stability, while the end goal of succession, doesn't describe the transitional period right after a tornado. Regression generally refers to a decrease in ecological complexity or biodiversity, which is not what follows a disturbance in this context.