Question

environmental factors can cause various changes in ecosystems. which of the following would most likely hav greatest lasting effect on an ecosystem?
a. a seasonal excess of fertilizer runoff
b. a disease among a population
c. change to the landscape from construction
d. seasonal drought
please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

• Option a: Seasonal excess of fertilizer runoff is a short - term environmental stress. Once the season passes and natural processes (like dilution in water bodies, decomposition in soil) occur, the ecosystem can start to recover.
• Option b: A disease among a population can be controlled or the population can adapt (if there is genetic variation) over time. For example, in some cases, resistant individuals survive and repopulate, and the ecosystem can regain balance.
• Option c: Change to the landscape from construction (such as building a large dam, urban sprawl that destroys habitats) can have a long - lasting impact. It can permanently alter the physical structure of the ecosystem (e.g., destroy nesting sites, change water flow patterns), which in turn affects multiple species and ecological processes.
• Option d: Seasonal drought is a recurring, short - term event in many ecosystems. Ecosystems have adaptations (e.g., drought - resistant plants, animals that migrate during drought) to deal with it, and recovery is possible when the drought ends.

Answer:

C. change to the landscape from construction