Question

Bryn has been reading a case study about a small section of a forest in Oregon. This particular forest has seen a lot of pollution from a local city, as well as a lot of littering from people hiking and not taking their garbage out with them. In addition, in the past two years the soil quality in that part of the forest has been poor, and there has been more erosion than in previous years. Considering the information Bryn has read about this section of forest, what can she logically conclude? This section of the forest recently experienced a large forest fire. This section of the forest will be at higher than average risk of insect infestation and disease. This section of the forest is experiencing a parasite infestation. This section of the forest will be at higher than average risk of wildfires.

Answer 1

Given the degradation and pollution of the forest ecosystem in Oregon, it is logical to conclude there is a heightened risk of insect infestation and disease due to weakened resilience of the forest. Therefore, the correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided about the forest in Oregon suffering from pollution, littering, soil degradation, and increased erosion, it is logical to conclude that this section of the forest will be at higher than average risk of insect infestation and disease. Poor soil quality and erosion can weaken the resilience of the forest ecosystem, making it more susceptible to infestations and disease because the trees and plants may be less healthy and less able to resist these threats. The description does not provide evidence of a recent large forest fire, a parasite infestation, or a higher than normal risk of wildfires.