Many bird species in temperate regions have shifted the timing of their spring breeding earlier over recent decades, in apparent response to warming temperatures and earlier emergence of insect prey. In some populations, however, breeding has not advanced quickly enough to match the earlier insect peaks, and chick survival has declined as parents return to nests with insufficient food.
Which conclusion most logically follows from the passage?
- A
Bird breeding timing is unaffected by environmental conditions
- Bcheck_circle
Climate-driven shifts in different parts of an ecosystem can occur at different rates, with consequences for dependent species
- C
Earlier breeding always produces higher chick survival
- D
Insect populations have not changed in recent decades
Explanation
Mismatched timing of breeding and insect peaks, with declining survival, supports A. B, C, D contradict the passage.