Ecologist Dr. Sandberg argues that the introduction of large predators into ecosystems where they have been absent does not, on its own, restore biodiversity, because such "trophic cascades" depend on the presence of intermediate species and habitat conditions that have often been altered.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support Dr. Sandberg's argument?
- A
Some predators travel long distances after release.
- Bcheck_circle
Predator reintroductions in two ecosystems with similar prey communities led to biodiversity recovery only in the one with intact intermediate plant and herbivore populations.
- C
Predator reintroduction is generally controversial among local communities.
- D
Reintroducing predators is more expensive than other conservation measures.
Explanation
A compares two reintroductions and shows recovery depends on the intermediate species and habitat, exactly as Sandberg argues. B, C, and D are tangential.