8

Set 1: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

Researchers found that forests near highways contained trees with significantly darker bark than those in remote areas. The darkening, caused by accumulated vehicle pollution, may be affecting how well bark camouflages insect species, potentially shifting predator-prey dynamics.

What does the research suggest about urban pollution's ecological effects?

A. Pollution only affects animal species directly.
B. Environmental changes can cascade through ecosystems in indirect ways.✓ Correct
C. Trees near highways are healthier than remote trees.
D. Predator-prey relationships are unaffected by environmental changes.

Detailed Explanation

Pollution → darker bark → changed camouflage → shifted predator-prey dynamics = indirect cascade.

Key Evidence:

• "affecting how well bark camouflages insect species"

• "potentially shifting predator-prey dynamics"

Why others are wrong: A (Trees (plants) are also affected.), C (Pollution-darkened bark isn't described as healthier.), D (The passage says dynamics may be 'shifting.').

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