Which of the following observations provides the best evidence of a biodiversity crisis?

• A. Fluctuations in the population size of a local predator due to prey availability
• B. Seasonal migration patterns of birds changing slightly each year
• C. A rapid increase in the extinction rate of multiple species across different ecosystems
• D. A single species of plant showing increased growth in a particular region

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of biodiversity crisis: A biodiversity crisis refers to a significant and rapid decline in the variety of life forms within ecosystems, often due to human activities, environmental changes, or other factors.
2. Evaluate the options provided: Analyze each observation to determine whether it indicates a widespread and rapid decline in biodiversity across multiple species and ecosystems.
3. Option 1: Fluctuations in predator population size due to prey availability are natural and do not necessarily indicate a biodiversity crisis. This is a localized and cyclical phenomenon.
4. Option 2: Seasonal migration patterns of birds changing slightly each year may reflect environmental changes but do not directly indicate a rapid loss of biodiversity across ecosystems.
5. Option 3: A rapid increase in the extinction rate of multiple species across different ecosystems is the strongest evidence of a biodiversity crisis, as it demonstrates widespread and irreversible loss of biodiversity. Option 4, increased growth of a single plant species, is localized and does not indicate a crisis.