Question

does the author provide relevant and sufficient evidence to support the claim in paragraph 18 that changes to ancient lakes are “happening on comparatively short time - scales”?
no. the author fails to describe any changes that ancient lakes have experienced in the past and instead focuses on scientists’ predictions of future changes.
yes. the author describes recent changes to many lakes’ biology and chemistry that are being accelerated by pollution.
yes. the author provides data about how the lakes were formed and cites expert analysis of the slow evolution of changes to the lakes’ chemical compositions.
no. the author includes specific examples of the different climates that ancient lakes endured throughout history.

Explanation:

The claim is about changes happening on short - time scales. The author focuses on recent changes to lakes' biology and chemistry accelerated by pollution, which are relevant to short - time scale changes. The other options either focus on long - term aspects like lake formation, past climates, or future predictions instead of short - time scale changes.

Answer:

Yes. The author describes recent changes to many lakes' biology and chemistry that are being accelerated by pollution.