Question

Select the statement(s) that accurately predict how abiotic factors can cause changes to the population.

Climate and weather events will have little to no impact on the population of species in an area.

Air and water pollution will not affect species populations since it impacts so few individuals.

The lack of clean air will cause a decline in species populations.

Water pollution will cause species populations to decline.

Unusual climates and weather events will cause a decline in species populations.

Answer 1

Correct statements: 3, 4, and 5.

Brief explanations:
- The lack of clean air will cause a decline in species populations — true: poor air quality (pollutants, smog) reduces survival and reproduction and can damage habitats.
- Water pollution will cause species populations to decline — true: contaminants reduce oxygen, poison organisms, and disrupt food webs.
- Unusual climates and weather events will cause a decline in species populations — true: extreme or shifted climate and weather (droughts, floods, heat waves, storms) can kill individuals, reduce reproduction, and change habitat suitability.

Statements 1 and 2 are false because climate/weather and pollution often have large, population-level effects rather than “little to no” impact.