Question

which of the following limits the biodiversity of grasslands?
pesticides and fertilizers
farming a single variation of a crop
loss of topsoil
grazing animals

Explanation:

To determine what limits grassland biodiversity, we analyze each option:

• Pesticides/fertilizers: Harmful, but not the primary limit here.
• Farming single crop: Reduces plant diversity, but loss of topsoil has a more direct impact on ecosystem health.
• Loss of topsoil: Topsoil is vital for plant growth. Its loss degrades habitat, reducing species that depend on grassland plants, thus limiting biodiversity.
• Grazing animals: Can be managed; moderate grazing can even support biodiversity.

Loss of topsoil (soil erosion) removes nutrients and habitat, severely impacting grassland ecosystems and their biodiversity.

Answer:

Loss of topsoil