Question

possible points: 1
the ring - tailed lemur is a primate native to forests in the southern portion of the island of madagascar. their diet consists of mostly fruit, but they also consume leaves, flowers, tree bark, and sap. ring - tailed lemurs are preyed upon by fossas, which are cat - like carnivores, and hawks.
the maps below show their approximate distribution in 2006 and 2016.
approximate distribution of ring - tailed lemur in 2006 approximate distribution of ring - tailed lemur in 2016
data from gould and sauther, primate conservation, vol. 30, 2016, pp. 89 - 101.
which is the most likely explanation for the difference in distribution of ring - tailed lemurs between 2006 and 2016?
○ shifting climate patterns resulted in increased rainfall.
○ a regional construction company increased its logging activity.
○ an invasive species was introduced that preys on fossas.
○ areas of land were set aside as protected national parks.

Explanation:

To determine the most likely explanation for the reduced distribution of ring - tailed lemurs from 2006 to 2016, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Increased rainfall due to shifting climate patterns would likely expand suitable habitat (more water for plants, more food for lemurs), not reduce their distribution. So this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Logging activity by a construction company destroys the lemurs' forest habitat (their native environment is forests). Less habitat means fewer areas for lemurs to live, which matches the reduced distribution shown in the maps. This is a strong candidate.
• Option 3: If an invasive species preys on fossas (lemur predators), fossas' population would decrease. With fewer predators, lemur population and distribution should increase, not decrease. So this is incorrect.
• Option 4: Setting land as protected national parks would protect the lemurs' habitat, leading to stable or increased distribution, not a decrease. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. A regional construction company increased its logging activity.