Justify Conservation Choices Practice Test

Students are evaluating conservation plans for a wetland that filters water and provides habitat for frogs. Frog numbers have dropped.

Criteria: (1) Scientific effectiveness (improve frog breeding success), (2) Economic cost, (3) Social feasibility for nearby homeowners.

Evidence:

• Water tests show high nitrate levels after rainstorms.
• Frogs lay eggs in shallow areas with native plants.
• Option A: Restore native wetland plants along 2 km of shoreline. Studies show nitrate levels drop 20% and frog egg survival increases 15% in 1 year. Cost: $70,000.
• Option B: Drain the wetland, remove mud, and refill it. Could reduce nitrates short-term, but removes current habitat for at least 1 breeding season. Cost: $200,000.
• Option C: Add fish that eat mosquito larvae. Studies show mosquitoes decrease, but fish also eat frog eggs; frog breeding success decreases 10%. Cost: $10,000.

Constraints: Budget is $80,000. Homeowners require that the wetland remain filled with water year-round.

Which statement best justifies a conservation solution using evidence and constraints?

A desert region is trying to conserve a native lizard that depends on shaded burrows. The lizard population is dropping where off-road vehicles (ORVs) are common.

Criteria: (1) Scientific effectiveness (reduce burrow collapse and disturbance), (2) Economic cost, (3) Social feasibility for recreation groups.

Evidence:

• Field surveys: In high-ORV areas, 45% of burrows are collapsed; in low-ORV areas, 10% are collapsed.
• Option A: Close 30% of trails in lizard breeding season. Studies show burrow collapse drops by 20 percentage points in closed areas. Cost: $25,000 for signs and barriers. Recreation group survey: 50% oppose.
• Option B: Build elevated ORV bridges over key habitat crossings. Studies show burrow collapse drops by 15 percentage points near bridges. Cost: $160,000.
• Option C: Add volunteer education booths on weekends. Studies show small behavior change; burrow collapse drops by about 3 percentage points. Cost: $8,000.

Constraints: Budget is $40,000. Only 2 rangers are available for enforcement.

Which conservation choice is best justified by the evidence and constraints?