Read the passage "Easter Island Palm." EASTER ISLAND PALMIn 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 populationB. the loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the islandC. a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversityD. the erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production

Question

GPT-4o mini · Answer

To identify which option would NOT result from the loss of the Easter Island palm, let's analyze each choice:

A. an increase in the islanders' consumption of land and migratory birds, resulting in a decrease in the bird population

The loss of the Easter Island palm would likely lead to increased reliance on other food sources, which could include birds. This suggests a potential decrease in the bird population, making this option plausible.

B. the loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the island

If the palm was a food source or habitat for pollinating birds, its extinction could indeed lead to a decline in these birds, affecting pollination and plant variety. This option is plausible.

C. a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity

The loss of a tree species, like the Easter Island palm, would not directly cause a decrease in temperature; rather, it could lead to changes in local climate conditions but not necessarily a cooling effect that would result in decreased biodiversity. This makes this option unlikely.

D. the erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production

The extinction of a tree species can lead to soil erosion, especially if there are fewer roots to hold topsoil in place, which could indeed affect crop production. This option is plausible.

Thus, the answer is C. a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity, as it is the outcome that is least likely to result from the loss of the Easter Island palm.