Humans alter ecosystems by ______.

• A. introducing invasive species
• B. increasing natural biodiversity
• C. eliminating all abiotic factors
• D. preventing all natural disturbances

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem asks how humans alter ecosystems. This requires identifying human activities that impact ecosystems and their components.
2. Analyze the options: Review each provided option to determine if it aligns with known human activities and their effects on ecosystems.
3. Option 1: 'Introducing invasive species' - Humans often introduce non-native species to new environments, either intentionally or accidentally. These species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species, altering food webs, and changing habitat structures.
4. Option 2: 'Increasing natural biodiversity' - While conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity, human activities like deforestation, pollution, and urbanization typically reduce biodiversity rather than increase it.
5. Option 3 and 4: 'Eliminating all abiotic factors' and 'Preventing all natural disturbances' - These are not feasible or accurate. Abiotic factors (like sunlight, water, and soil) are essential for ecosystems, and humans cannot prevent all natural disturbances (e.g., storms, wildfires).