Question

population size of ghost orchids has decreased by more than 90%. much of this decline is due to overharvesting by orchid collectors, who illegally remove (or poach) ghost orchids from the wild. this poaching has removed ghost orchids at a faster rate than the population can recover.
complete the statement.
the severe decline in ghost orchid population size is mainly caused by ______.
choose 1 answer:
a climate change
b overexploitation
c pollution
d habitat degradation

Explanation:

The text states that the ghost orchid population decline is mainly due to overharvesting (poaching) by collectors, which is a form of overexploitation. Option A (climate change), C (pollution), and D (habitat degradation) are not mentioned as the main cause here.

Answer:

B. overexploitation