Question

question 14(multiple choice worth 4 points)
(04.02 hc)
the table below shows salinity tests from coastal louisiana following a salt water influx during hurricanes katrina and rita. if efforts
are not made to reduce the salinity in these areas, what is the most likely long - term effect?
vegetation
typical salinity
maximum salinity
measured
type
range
swamp
0 - 5
8
fresh marsh
0 - 3
26
intermediate marsh
2 - 8
26
brackish marsh
4 - 10
34
saline marsh
8 - 29
30
source: u.s. geological survey
o a growth in the population of salt - intolerant types of plants
o a shift in species composition to less salt - tolerant plants
o a shift in species composition to more salt - tolerant plants
o an increase in the diversity of salt - intolerant plants

Explanation:

When there is a salt - water influx and no efforts to reduce salinity, plants that can tolerate higher salt levels (salt - tolerant plants) will be more likely to survive. Salt - intolerant plants will struggle or die. So, the species composition will shift towards plants that can handle the increased salinity.

Answer:

C. A shift in species composition to more salt - tolerant plants