Biology Regents Practice Exam

The increase in manatee deaths linked to pollution in the Banana River is an example of what?

1. A natural cycle in an ecosystem.

2. The effect of increased biodiversity on an ecosystem.

3. Direct harvesting in an ecosystem.

4. Human actions altering ecosystems with serious consequences.

The correct answer is: Human actions altering ecosystems with serious consequences.

The increase in manatee deaths linked to pollution in the Banana River exemplifies how human actions can significantly alter ecosystems, leading to serious consequences for wildlife and biodiversity. In this case, pollution can result from various human activities, such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, or urban development, which introduce harmful substances into the environment. These pollutants can degrade the quality of the water, disrupt the food chain, and ultimately impact the health and survival of species like manatees. Manatees, being sensitive to their aquatic habitat, may suffer from decreased food availability, diseases, or direct toxicity from contaminants, which highlights the profound impact human behavior can have on natural ecosystems. Such scenarios underline the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for sustainable practices to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.