Chapter 8, Problem 5STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Biodiversity is a variety of life in an area that is determined by the number of species living in that area. It helps in maintaining a healthy biosphere and provides direct and indirect value to humans. When the entire species is permanently lost from the biosphere it is said to be extinct. There are many factors that have led to extinction of many species and are threat to biodiversity.

Answer to Problem 5STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option B habitat destruction.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option B habitat destruction−The deforestation of tropical rain forests has led to the destruction of habitat of many species of plants and animals. Destruction of habitat is number one cause of extinction of many species. Tropical rain forests are home to almost half of all the species that live on Earth. Due to the clearing of rain forests, many native species are replaced with agricultural crops or grazing land. The removal of natural forest would lead to many species on Earth to become extinct due to habitat loss. Hence, this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A, ecosystem pollution−Pollution is also a threat to biodiversity. It changes the composition of air, soil and water. The clearing of tropical rain forests has not caused pollution. They have led to habitat loss of many species. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option C,introduced species- Deforestation of tropical rain forests has led to the destruction of habitat of many species of plants and animals. Destruction of habitat is the number one cause of extinction of many species. New species introduced in these forestshave not caused loss in biodiversity. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option D,species overexploitation- There is no over exploitation of species in tropical rain forests due to deforestation. In fact deforestation of tropical rain forests has led to the destruction of habitat of many species of plants and animals. Hence, this is not the correct option.