Question

farmers in a certain region have noticed a decrease in the variety of crops that they are able to successfully grow in the region. this has impacted the number of crops that they are able to sell to consumers. which of the following changes has most likely caused this change in biodiversity? a. increased soil fertility caused by an increase in animal waste b. increased space availability caused by an increase in average field size c. increased acid rain caused by an increase in pollution d. increased soil aeration caused by an increase in earthworms

Explanation:

To determine which change likely caused a decrease in biodiversity (less crop variety), we analyze each option:

• Option A: Increased soil fertility from animal waste would support more crop growth, not reduce variety.
• Option B: Larger field size (more space) allows for more diverse crops, not less.
• Option C: Acid rain (from pollution) harms soil and plants, reducing the number of crops that can grow successfully. This aligns with decreased crop variety (biodiversity loss).
• Option D: More earthworms improve soil aeration, benefiting crop growth and diversity, not reducing it.

Answer:

C. increased acid rain caused by an increase in pollution