An ecologist observes that squirrels from an adjacent area have brought pine cones to a stand of dense hemlock,but no pine seedlings have sprouted.Which term describes what the ecologist has observed? 

A)  primary succession 
B)  tolerance 
C)  inhibition 
D)  tertiary succession

The observation of pine cones being brought to a stand of dense hemlock, but no pine seedlings sprouting, suggests that the hemlock trees are inhibiting the growth of the pine seedlings. This is known as inhibition, where one species through competition, allelopathy, or other means, prevent the growth or establishment of another species. It is not an example of primary succession, as there is an established community (hemlock trees) already present. Tolerance and tertiary succession do not apply to this scenario.