Question

About 800 ash trees live in a tract of conservation land. Which of these events would have the least effect on the land’s carrying capacity for ash trees?
A. Maple trees are introduced to the land, where they grow well.
B. Human activities drain about half of the water that the land generally receives C. A beetle that infects ash trees is introduced to the land.
D. About one third of the ash trees are cut down and hauled away.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. A beetle that infects ash trees is introduced to the land

Explanation:

The Land's carrying capacity for ash trees can be said to be the maximum number of ash tree population that the tract of the conservation land can adequately cater for and support.

From the listed options given, the event that would have little effect or the least effect on the land's carrying capacity for ash trees is option C "A beetle that infects ash trees is introduced to the land", simple because the impact won't be as intense and direct just as the other events would be.

For example, if maple trees are introduced, there would be competition with the ash trees for the limited resources, thereby putting a pressure on the land. Also, draining of half of the water of the land caused by human activities would bring about a drop in the amount of water available for the survival of the ash trees. Lastly, the effect of deforestation as one third of the ash trees are cut down, would be huge and largely felt.