Question

there are 39 native species to the florida everglades national park that are listed as threatened or endangered. climate change has caused an increase in catastrophic events, such a hurricanes. what impact would a catastrophic event have on the endangered species ecosystem? an event could cause a loss of an endangered species, which would increase the mutation rate in plants. an event could cause a loss of an endangered species, which would cause pesticides to become more toxic to insects. an event could cause a loss of an endangered species, which would decrease the space and resources available to other organisms. an event could cause a loss of an endangered species, which would reduce biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Explanation:

Step1: Evaluate Option 1

Species loss doesn't increase plant mutation rate. Incorrect.

Step2: Evaluate Option 2

Species loss doesn't affect pesticide toxicity. Incorrect.

Step3: Evaluate Option 3

Loss frees resources, not decreases them. Incorrect.

Step4: Evaluate Option 4

Losing species directly reduces biodiversity. Correct.

Answer:

D. An event could cause a loss of an endangered species, which would reduce biodiversity in the ecosystem.