Question

based on the data collected during drought. which of the following best describes why this situation represents a positive feedback loop?
soil erosion increases as native plants decrease, which helps the ecosystem recover.
invasive grass coverage decreases over time, restoring plant and animal populations.
soil erosion decreases as native plants decline, which increases invasive grass spreading.
antelope populations increase as invasive grass spreads, stabilizing the ecosystem.

Explanation:

A positive feedback loop is a process where a change leads to an even greater change in the same direction. In this case, when native plants decline (due to drought), soil erosion decreases (which is incorrect as native plants usually help prevent soil erosion). But the result is that invasive grass spreading increases. So the initial change (native plant decline) leads to a change (invasive grass spread) that further exacerbates the situation (as invasive species can out - compete other plants more, continuing the cycle in the same direction).

Answer:

Soil erosion decreases as native plants decline, which increases invasive grass spreading.