Question

Which of the following statements is true? a. Mass extinctions did not occur prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens. b. Increases in atmospheric \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) concentration and global warming have never occurred before. c. Environmental changes may create new habitats favoring the development of new species. d. Species can only become extinct; they can't diverge into more than one species.

Short answer

Statement C is true; environmental changes can create new habitats and favor the development of new species.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Statement A

Statement A claims that mass extinctions did not occur prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens. This needs to be checked against historical and fossil records.

Investigate Statement B

Statement B asserts that increases in atmospheric \(\text{CO}_2\) concentration and global warming have never occurred before. Consider historical climate data and prehistoric global events to verify this claim.

Evaluate Statement C

Statement C suggests that environmental changes may create new habitats favoring the development of new species. Determine whether this aligns with known ecological and evolutionary processes.

Examine Statement D

Statement D posits that species can only become extinct and cannot diverge into more than one species. This should be verified against principles of speciation in evolutionary biology.

Combine Findings

Synthesize the findings from Steps 1-4. Compare each statement to known scientific principles and data to pinpoint the accurate statement.

Key concepts

evolutionary biology

Evolutionary biology is the study of how organisms change over time through adaptations and natural selection. Life on Earth has been evolving for billions of years. Each species adapts to its environment to survive and reproduce. Over generations, small genetic changes can lead to significant differences, even new species. These processes are driven by mutations, genetic recombination, and environmental factors. For example, Darwin's finches are an iconic case where different species evolved from a common ancestor by adapting to different ecological niches. By understanding evolutionary biology, we can better grasp how life diversifies and responds to changes.

species diversification

Species diversification is the process through which new species arise. This often happens when populations become isolated and evolve independently. One famous mechanism is allopatric speciation, where geographical barriers like rivers or mountains split a population. Each isolated group faces different environmental pressures and evolves differently over time. Another example is sympatric speciation, where new species form within the same geographic area, often through genetic mutations or behavioral differences. Diversification allows life to explore new niches and ecosystems, contributing to the rich biodiversity we observe today. This process has been ongoing for millions of years, resulting in the incredible variety of life forms present on Earth.

global warming

Global warming refers to the recent and ongoing rise in global average temperature near Earth's surface. This phenomenon is mainly driven by human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect. Although Earth's climate has changed throughout its history, the current rate of change is unprecedented. Global warming impacts weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity. Extreme weather events become more frequent, polar ice melts, and oceans rise. It's a critical issue because it affects ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Understanding global warming is essential to mitigate its harmful effects and develop sustainable solutions for the future.

CO2 concentration

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has been rising significantly since the industrial revolution. CO2 is a key greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are primary causes of increased CO2 levels. Historically, CO2 concentrations have fluctuated, but they have never been as high as they are now in recent geologic times. Elevated levels of CO2 contribute to global warming and disturb the balance of Earth's climate system. Solutions include reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, and enhancing carbon sinks like forests. By understanding the role of CO2, we can better address climate change and its impacts on our planet.