Question

the whitebark pine tree grows in high - elevation ecosystems in the northwestern area of the united states. its population has been limited due to the human introduction of a fungal disease, known as white pine blister rust, to western north america in the early 1900s. in some populations of whitebark pine, there is relatively little natural resistance to white pine blister rust. based on this information, what would be the best long - term solution to mitigate the adverse impacts of the fungal disease on whitebark pine trees? a. collect and grow genetically diverse seedlings of white pinebark pine trees that all have resistance to white pine blister rust b. introduce into the affected region a non - native species of plant that is more attractive to white pine blister rust c. collect and grow seeds of whitebark pine trees that all are identical in genetic makeup and resistant to white pine blister rust d. introduce into the affected region a native organism that is likely to compete for resources with the white pine blister rust

Explanation:

Genetic diversity in a population provides a better chance for long - term survival and adaptation. Collecting and growing genetically diverse seedlings of whitebark pine trees with resistance to the fungal disease (white pine blister rust) can help the species adapt and survive in the long run. Option B may introduce new invasive species problems, option C lacks genetic diversity which can be risky in the long - term as the pathogen may evolve to overcome the single - type resistance, and option D may not directly address the survival and resistance of whitebark pine trees to the rust.

Answer:

A. collect and grow genetically diverse seedlings of white pinebark pine trees that all have resistance to white pine blister rust