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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how environmental manipulation of a crop might have unexpected ecological consequences?
A
It always increases the genetic diversity of the crop.
B
It guarantees higher yields without any negative effects.
C
It can disrupt local food webs by affecting non-target species.
D
It prevents the evolution of pests and diseases.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of environmental manipulation of crops: This refers to human interventions such as genetic modification, pesticide use, or altering growing conditions to improve crop yields or resistance to pests and diseases.
Consider the ecological consequences: Environmental manipulation can have unintended effects on ecosystems, such as impacting organisms that interact with the crop, including pollinators, pests, and predators.
Analyze the statement 'It can disrupt local food webs by affecting non-target species': This means that changes made to the crop can indirectly affect other organisms in the ecosystem, potentially leading to imbalances in food webs.
Evaluate the other options: For example, 'It always increases genetic diversity' is incorrect because manipulation often reduces genetic diversity by favoring specific traits. Similarly, 'It guarantees higher yields without any negative effects' is overly optimistic and ignores potential ecological risks. 'It prevents the evolution of pests and diseases' is incorrect because pests and diseases can still evolve resistance over time.
Conclude that the correct explanation is: 'It can disrupt local food webs by affecting non-target species,' as this highlights the potential for unintended ecological consequences of crop manipulation.