Easter Island is an isolated island in the Pacific, about 3,500 km from South America. Although there are no trees or forests on the island now, archeological studies, fossil pollen, and other data show that Easter Island was once home to forests containing giant palms and other trees. Which of the following factors best represents a potential cause of such a collapse?
A) Shade-tolerant understory species increased in diversity in the absence of the palm.
B) Soil erosion decreased in the absence of the palm.
C) The decline or removal of the palm trees may have reduced habitat quality for many other tree species.
D) Productivity increased, thereby increasing competition, in the palms' absence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decline or removal of the palm trees could have led to a reduction in habitat quality for many other tree species, contributing to the collapse of the island's forests. This is because large trees like palms often play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of their ecosystems, providing habitat and resources for other plants and animals.

Easter Island Is an Isolated Island in the Pacific, About