Text 1: Marine biologist Dr. Helen Stone studies ocean acidification. "Increasing CO2 levels lower ocean pH, threatening shell-forming organisms," Stone reports. "Coral reefs and shellfish populations face extinction without emissions reductions."
Text 2: Oceanographer Dr. James Park notes ecosystem complexity. "Some marine species may adapt or even benefit from changing conditions," Park observes. "Predicting ecosystem responses requires understanding species interactions, not just single-species impacts."
How does Park's perspective affect interpretation of Stone's findings?
By denying that acidification is occurring
By suggesting ecosystem responses may be more complex than single-species predictions indicate
By arguing that all species will thrive
By claiming shell-forming organisms don't exist
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Stone predicts species-level impacts. Park asks about ecosystem interactions—some species adapting, interactions changing. The system may respond more complexly than Stone's single-species focus implies.
- Evidence: Park: need to understand "species interactions."
- Reasoning: Ecosystem-level dynamics don't reduce to species impacts.
- Conclusion: Park adds complexity to Stone's predictions.
Choice A is incorrect because Park accepts changing conditions. Choice C is incorrect because Park says "some" may adapt, not all. Choice D is incorrect because Park accepts Stone's subject exists.