Question

areas in northeast united states with large deer populations have different plant life than nearby areas without deer populations. the deer reduce overall plant coverage by eating the plants. they also affect the diversity of plant life. figure 1 shows how the deer population affects the amount of native plant life and non - native plant life in the areas.
according to the evidence in figure 1, what effect does the deer population have on plant life?
a the deer increase the diversity of plant life because of their preference for non - native plants.
b the deer promote native plant species by removing competition from non - native plants.
c the deer reduce the diversity of plant life because of their preference for native plants.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option A: The data does not support that deer increase plant diversity due to preference for non - native plants.
• Option B: The data does not show that deer promote native plants by removing non - native competition.
• Option C: When deer are present, the proportion of non - native plants (which could contribute to diversity if there are more types) is higher. But looking at total plant coverage, deer reduce overall plant coverage. Also, if deer prefer native plants (eating them more), then native plant coverage is reduced. With less native plant coverage (and assuming native plants are a diverse group), this could reduce plant diversity.

Answer:

C. The deer reduce the diversity of plant life because of their preference for native plants.