Question

Beavers are often called “ecosystem/keystone engineers” because they create dams using trees, which alters river ecosystems. Which of the following describes a benefit that beavers contribute to the ecosystem and a plausible impact of their removal?(1 point) Responses Benefit: Beavers increase biodiversity by creating wetland habitats that support various plants and animals. Impact of Removal: Without beavers, wetland habitats may dry up, reducing biodiversity. Benefit: Beavers increase biodiversity by creating wetland habitats that support various plants and animals. Impact of Removal: Without beavers, wetland habitats may dry up, reducing biodiversity. Benefit: Beavers reduce the flow of water, preventing flooding downstream. Impact of Removal: If beavers are removed, rivers would become stagnant, reducing the oxygen levels in the water. Benefit: Beavers reduce the flow of water, preventing flooding downstream. Impact of Removal: If beavers are removed, rivers would become stagnant, reducing the oxygen levels in the water. Benefit: Beavers increase the temperature of the water, making it more suitable for aquatic life. Impact of Removal: Without beavers, water temperatures would rise, harming aquatic species. Benefit: Beavers increase the temperature of the water, making it more suitable for aquatic life. Impact of Removal: Without beavers, water temperatures would rise, harming aquatic species. Benefit: Beavers attract predators to their dams, helping control predator populations. Impact of Removal: The predators would move away, increasing the prey population around the river.

Answer 1

The most accurate response regarding the benefit that beavers contribute to the ecosystem and the plausible impact of their removal is:

**Benefit:** Beavers increase biodiversity by creating wetland habitats that support various plants and animals.
**Impact of Removal:** Without beavers, wetland habitats may dry up, reducing biodiversity.

This response correctly identifies the positive role beavers play in enhancing biodiversity through the creation of wetland habitats. It also highlights a realistic consequence of their removal—the potential drying up of these habitats, which would lead to a loss in biodiversity.

The other options either present incorrect claims about beavers (such as increasing water temperature) or describe impacts that aren’t as directly connected to the ecological roles of beavers.