Question

Which of the following best matches the description? Process of changing the natural community to encourage the increase in populations of certain desirable species.

1) threatened species
2) clear-cutting
3) reforestation
4) selective harvesting
5) endangered species
6) speciation
7) extinction
8) habitat management
9) patchwork clear-cutting
10) cover
11) biodiversity
12) mutation
13) species diversity

Answer 1

The process is habitat management, which aims to alter natural communities to favor certain desirable species. It includes activities like controlled burns and species reintroduction, which can significantly enhance biodiversity in ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process described in the question is habitat management, which is option 8. Habitat management involves altering the natural community to promote the growth of certain desirable species. This can include a range of activities, such as controlled burns, water releases from dams, or reintroduction of keystone species. A well-known example is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park, which had a dramatic impact on the ecosystem and increased biodiversity.

In essence, habitat restoration as a form of habitat management can reverse the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation, promoting a richer and more diverse ecosystem. This is essential, as habitat destruction is the primary driver of species extinction. Once extinct, a species cannot be restored, emphasizing the urgency and importance of habitat preservation and restoration efforts.