The graph shows the extinction rate from 400 million years ago (mya) to the present. The dotted lines show two possible extinction rate trends in the future.

(4 points)
Event will accelerate extinction rate trends Event will slow extinction rate trends
Enforce stricter regulations for plastic waste

Introduce new species into non-native ecosystems

Increase the amount of land developed for farming

Introduce legislation to control poaching and overhunting

1 answer

Here’s an analysis of how each event may influence the extinction rate trends based on whether they would accelerate or slow down the extinction rate:

Event will accelerate extinction rate trends:

  1. Introduce new species into non-native ecosystems - Introducing non-native species can lead to imbalances in ecosystems, potentially outcompeting native species and increasing extinction rates.
  2. Increase the amount of land developed for farming - Expanding agricultural land often results in habitat destruction, leading to loss of biodiversity and higher extinction rates.

Event will slow extinction rate trends:

  1. Enforce stricter regulations for plastic waste - Reducing plastic waste can help protect marine and terrestrial habitats from pollution, ultimately supporting biodiversity and reducing extinction rates.
  2. Introduce legislation to control poaching and overhunting - Effective conservation laws can help protect endangered species from exploitation, aiding in their survival and potentially slowing extinction rates.

In summary:

  • Accelerate: Introduce new species into non-native ecosystems, Increase the amount of land developed for farming.
  • Slow: Enforce stricter regulations for plastic waste, Introduce legislation to control poaching and overhunting.