Question

Read the passage "Easter Island Palm." EASTER ISLAND PALM In 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 population B. the loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the island C. a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity D. the erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production

Answer 1

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

This option would NOT result from the loss of the Easter Island palm. The extinction of the palm would not directly cause a decrease in temperature; instead, it would likely lead to other ecological consequences related to the loss of the palm and its role in the ecosystem.