Researchers are studying lichens growing on trees in a forest ecosystem. At the beginning of the study, the researchers identified twelve lichen species in the forest. Later, a forest fire happened in the study area. The researchers returned to the area and found only six lichen species. Which inference is best supported from the researchers’ observations?

A, Most lichen species are unaffected by forest fire.

B. The biodiversity in a forest increases after a fire.

C. Certain lichen species are better adapted to survive forest fires than others.

D. Forest fires will permanently remove certain species from the ecosystem.