A North American grassland is usually more productive when it contains diverse plant communities. How does the biodiversity of a North American grassland affect its sustainability? A. The biodiversity allows all plant communities to survive when the ecosystem experiences severe weather. B. The biodiversity prevents all plant communities from surviving when the ecosystem experiences a heat wave. C. The biodiversity prevents some plant communities from surviving when the ecosystem experiences consistent weather patterns. D. The biodiversity allows some plant communities to survive when the ecosystem experiences slightly different weather patterns.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: A. The biodiversity allows all plant communities to survive when the ecosystem experiences severe weather.

Biodiversity enhances the resilience and sustainability of an ecosystem. In a diverse plant community, different species can respond differently to environmental stressors, such as severe weather. This variety increases the likelihood that some plants will survive, thereby maintaining ecosystem functions and services even during adverse conditions.