Question

rolling plains of wheat, endless fields of flowering canola, row upon row of fruit trees: these agricultural landscapes are the stuff of stunning photographs. filling these paddocks with just one crop, known as monoculture, is a relatively easy, common, and efficient way to produce food and fiber. but international research shows that these monocultures can be bad for the environment and production through effects on soil quality, erosion, plants and animals, and ultimately declining crop yields. research i have published in the international journal of agricultural sustainability shows a possible link between monoculture landscapes and fewer wild pollinators. this research begs the question: is there a better way to grow our food? monocultures dont exist in nature. natural ecosystems that appear to be dominated by one plant or tree species (such as grasslands or some temperate forests) also have many other plant species growing under and around them. this diversity of plant species and sizes supports diverse wildlife communities, and this diversity supports ecosystem services such as pollination and biological control. when this diversity evanesces, the results can be disastrous. the dust bowl years assessment questions which statement best describes the relationship between diverse plant species and wildlife as it is described in the article? a. diverse plant species maintain wildlife ecosystems at the cost of crop yields. b. diverse plant species attract and support various beneficial wildlife species. c. diverse wildlife species enable monoculture crops to grow more diverse. d. diverse plant species attract wildlife that impair monoculture crops.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that natural ecosystems with diverse plant species support diverse wildlife communities and ecosystem - services like pollination. Diverse plant species attract and support various beneficial wildlife species. There is no mention of crop - yield cost in relation to wildlife maintenance, nor do diverse wildlife enable monoculture crops to be more diverse, and diverse plant species do not attract wildlife that impairs monoculture crops.

Answer:

B. Diverse plant species attract and support various beneficial wildlife species.