Question

select the correct answer.

read the excerpt from \exploring the secrets of marsh happiness\ by noaa.

characterizing an \unhappy,\ deteriorating tidal marsh is more complex because marshes can fall apart in many different ways. one finding contradicted a previous assumption: namely, that gains in marsh elevation and sediment indicate greater resilience. the authors say marshes with these characteristics performed inconsistently and often signaled the muddy mess that degrading marshes can become, not marsh health.

what is the meaning of the word resilience as used in the excerpt?

ability to defend itself
ability to be consistent
ability to recover
ability to adjust to change

Explanation:

Analyze the context clues

The excerpt discusses "unhappy," deteriorating tidal marshes and how they "fall apart." It contrasts "gains in marsh elevation and sediment" (which were previously assumed to indicate "greater resilience") with the reality that these marshes "performed inconsistently" and signaled a "muddy mess" rather than "marsh health."

Determine the meaning of "resilience"

In environmental science and general usage, "resilience" refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, damage, or changing conditions. In this context, "greater resilience" is contrasted with "deteriorating" and "falling apart," which directly relates to an ecosystem's ability to recover or bounce back to a healthy state.

Evaluate the given options

• ability to defend itself: Incorrect. The passage discusses deterioration and structural health, not defense against external threats or predators.
• ability to be consistent: Incorrect. While the text mentions they "performed inconsistently," consistency itself is not the definition of resilience.
• ability to recover: Correct. Resilience is the capacity to recover from degradation or damage.
• ability to adjust to change: Incorrect. While related to adaptation, resilience specifically emphasizes recovery and maintaining health/stability after being disturbed.

Answer:

• ability to defend itself
• ability to be consistent
• ability to recover (Correct answer)
• ability to adjust to change