[Campbell Biology P.1225] How do human impacts and the capacity for recovery differ between t... | Practice Question

How do human impacts and the capacity for recovery differ between temperate broadleaf forests and tundra?

  • A: Both biomes have been sparsely settled, with minimal human impact.
  • B: Temperate broadleaf forests have been heavily settled but show strong recovery capacity, whereas tundra is sparsely settled but a focus of significant mineral and oil extraction.
  • C: Tundra has been heavily settled and has little recovery, while temperate broadleaf forests are largely untouched by human activity.
  • D: Both biomes show no capacity for recovery after human disturbance.

Explanation

The text states that 'Temperate broadleaf forest has been heavily settled on all continents' and 'owing to their capacity for recovery, these forests are returning over much of their former range.' In contrast, tundra is 'sparsely settled but has become the focus of significant mineral and oil extraction in recent years.' This highlights the difference in historical human settlement and current resource exploitation.