Read the passage "Easter Island Palm."
EASTER ISLAND PALM
In the 1400s, the Easter Island palm became extinct due to overharvesting. Reproduction was nearly impossible because islanders introduced rats when they first arrived. These rats ate the Easter Island palm seeds, preventing the Easter Island palm from flourishing. With the disappearance of the palm, the islanders could no longer build the boats they needed for fishing.
Which of the following would NOT result from the loss of the Eastern Island palm?
A.
an increase in the islanders' consumption of land and migratory birds, resulting in a decrease in the bird population
B.
the loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the island
C.
a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity
D.
the erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production
C. a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity
C.
a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity
To find the answer to this question, we need to identify which scenario would NOT result from the loss of the Easter Island palm.
A. An increase in the islanders' consumption of land and migratory birds, resulting in a decrease in the bird population: This scenario suggests that the loss of the palm would lead to an increase in the islanders' reliance on land and migratory birds for sustenance. This could result in a decrease in the bird population as they would be hunted more frequently.
This could be a possible result of the loss of the Easter Island palm since it was an important resource for the islanders.
B. The loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the island: This scenario suggests that the loss of the palm would lead to a decrease in pollinating birds on the island, which in turn would result in a decrease in the variety of plant life. This could occur because the palm may have provided a habitat or food source for these birds.
This could also be a possible result of the loss of the Easter Island palm since it could disrupt the ecological balance of the island.
C. A decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity: This scenario suggests that the loss of the palm would lead to a decrease in temperature on the island, which in turn would result in decreased biodiversity. However, it is unlikely that the loss of one specific plant species would have such a direct impact on temperature.
This scenario does not seem directly related to the loss of the Easter Island palm, so it is a viable candidate for the answer.
D. The erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production: This scenario suggests that the loss of the palm would lead to the erosion of topsoil, which in turn would result in decreased crop production. This could occur because the palm may have played a role in preventing soil erosion through its root system.
This could also be a possible result of the loss of the Easter Island palm since its absence could lead to increased soil erosion.
Based on the analysis above, we can conclude that the scenario that would NOT result from the loss of the Easter Island palm is:
C. A decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity