A sandbar is a ridge of sand in the water that is created through the action of waves and currents. A hurricane hit a coastal area and washed away a series of sandbars near two large barrier islands. Which argument predicts how this event will change species diversity in the region?
a
Species diversity will remain constant because the species that lived on the sandbars will now have additional space to increase the population.
b
Species diversity will decrease because the number of available habitats has decreased.
c
Species diversity will increase because the number of available habitats has increased.
d
Species diversity will first decrease and then increase because it will take time for the species that lived on the sandbars to adapt to living underwater.
b
Species diversity will decrease because the number of available habitats has decreased.