Question

1. what effect does pollution have on aquatic ecosystems in north america?

a. enhances food web stability

b. reduces the risk of invasive species

c. degrades water quality and harms aquatic life

d. increases biodiversity

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option a: Pollution typically disrupts food webs, so it does not enhance stability.
• Option b: Pollution does not reduce the risk of invasive species; in fact, it may create conditions that some invasive species can exploit or it has no direct relation to reducing their risk.
• Option c: Pollution introduces harmful substances (like chemicals, waste) into aquatic ecosystems, which degrades water quality (e.g., increased turbidity, toxic chemicals) and harms aquatic life (e.g., kills organisms, disrupts reproduction).
• Option d: Pollution generally decreases biodiversity as it harms or kills species, rather than increasing it.

Answer:

c. Degrades water quality and harms aquatic life