Question

bodies of water into smaller ones. these smaller bodies of water become safe habitats for a wide variety of species, including fish, waterfowl, and insects. beavers also increase biodiversity by removing trees and flooding land as they build their dams, creating riparian habitats, or wetland areas near water. new plant species grow in riparian habitats, and these plants provide food for a greater diversity of fish and other wildlife. as they build dams, busy beavers also build thriving ecosystems.
the author hopes to strengthen their claim by adding information to the paragraph. which of these sentences would not strengthen the authors claim?
choose 1 answer:
a beavers can have catastrophic effects on an ecosystem, downing trees that provide habitats and food for vulnerable species.
b studies have shown that introducing beavers to an area can improve plant diversity by 25 - 35%.
c beaver dams improve water quality for local species by protecting soil that filters dangerous chemicals from water.
d riparian ecosystems benefit beavers as well, allowing them to access a wider variety of food sources.

Explanation:

The author's claim is that beavers build thriving ecosystems (increase biodiversity, create habitats, etc.). Option A states beavers have catastrophic effects on ecosystems, which contradicts the claim and thus does not strengthen it. Options B (shows plant diversity increase), C (shows water quality improvement), and D (shows mutual benefit for beavers and riparian ecosystems) all support the claim.

Answer:

A. Beavers can have catastrophic effects on an ecosystem, downing trees that provide habitats and food for vulnerable species.