Question

3.2.5 quiz: impact of humans on ecosystems
question 10 of 10
the graph on the left shows how land usage changes in a region as a human population grows. the graph on the right shows biodiversity in the region at the same time.
land usage biodiversity
which statement is supported by the evidence in the graphs?
a. biodiversity increases as humans make more croplands.
b. an increase in industrial use of land leads to increased biodiversity.
c. the development of land for urban use increases biodiversity.
d. biodiversity decreases as humans clear forests.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze graph trends

In the land - use graph, forest area (red line) decreases over time. In the biodiversity graph, the number of species (red line) also decreases over time.

Step2: Evaluate each option

A: As cropland (blue - green line in land - use graph) increases, biodiversity decreases, not increases.
B: As industrial use (black line in land - use graph) increases, biodiversity decreases, not increases.
C: As urban use (pink line in land - use graph) increases, biodiversity decreases, not increases.
D: As forest area decreases (humans clear forests), biodiversity decreases, which is supported by the graphs.

Answer:

D. Biodiversity decreases as humans clear forests.