Question

in many agricultural environments, the banks of streams are kept forested to protect water quality, but its been unclear what effects these forests may have on stream biodiversity. to investigate the issue, biologist xingli giam and colleagues studied an indonesian oil palm plantation, comparing the species richness of forested streams with that of non - forested streams. giam and colleagues found that species richness was significantly higher in forested streams, a finding the researchers attribute to the role leaf litter plays in sheltering fish from predators and providing food resources. which choice best states the main purpose of the text? choose 1 answer: a it explains the differences between stream - protection strategies used in oil palm plantations and stream - protection strategies used in other kinds of agricultural environments. b it presents a study that addresses an unresolved question about the presence of forests along streams in agricultural environments. c it discusses research intended to settle a debate about how agricultural yields can be increased without negative effects on water quality. d it describes findings that challenge a previously held view about how fish that inhabit streams in agricultural environments attempt to avoid predators.

Explanation:

The text starts by stating an unclear - issue about the effects of forested streams on stream biodiversity in agricultural environments. Then it presents a study by Giam and colleagues to address this issue.

Answer:

B. It presents a study that addresses an unresolved question about the presence of forests along streams in agricultural environments.