Question

Spix's macaw is an endangered species of bird native to Brazil. The population of the bird has declined over the past 30 years. During this same period, much of the Brazilian rainforest habitat of the bird has been lost due to logging. What data would best support the claim that logging is a likely cause of the decline in the population of Spix's macaw?

a) The land cleared by logging is often taken over by farmers for growing crops.
b) The population of this bird was relatively constant before logging began.
c) This bird is a popular pet and has been bred successfully in captivity.
d) The trees harvested by logging are not those that are usually the home to this bird.

Answer 1

Option b) The population of this bird was relatively constant before logging began.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best data that would support the claim that logging is a likely cause of the decline in the population of Spix's macaw is option b) The population of this bird was relatively constant before logging began.

This data suggests that the decline in the population of Spix's macaw is correlated with the start of logging activities, indicating a potential cause and effect relationship.

By comparing the population trend of the bird before and after logging, we can see if there is a significant decline, which would strengthen the argument that logging is a likely cause of the decline.