Final answer:
Habitat fragmentation has led to an increase in white-footed mice populations in the northeastern United States, which are hosts for Lyme-disease carrying ticks. This has, in turn, resulted in a higher prevalence of Lyme disease in the region. The correct answer to the question is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Link Between Habitat Fragmentation and Lyme Disease
Studies have indicated that habitat fragmentation is a significant factor contributing to the high prevalence of Lyme disease in the northeastern United States. Habitat fragmentation can lead to changes in wildlife populations, with some species being more adaptable to altered landscapes than others. In the case of Lyme disease, the white-footed mouse plays a crucial role as a reservoir for the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes the disease.
The mild winter of 2010-2011 resulted in a boom in acorn production, subsequently causing an increase in the white-footed mouse population. When there are more mice, ticks that carry Lyme disease bacteria have more potential hosts. Conversely, in years with fewer acorns and a reduced mouse population, ticks are more likely to seek out alternative hosts, including humans. This dynamic explains why the population of white-footed mice is directly related to Lyme disease transmission risks.
Therefore, the correct option in terms of the question on how habitat fragmentation has led to a high prevalence of Lyme disease is increase: white-footed mice. The increase in the mouse population due to habitat fragmentation provides more hosts for Lyme-carrying ticks, resulting in a greater chance of human infection. Consequently, habitat management and understanding the ecology of white-footed mice can be critical in controlling the spread of Lyme disease.