hard · SAT Reading & Writing
Text 1: The prevailing view in conservation biology is that 'rewilding'—the reintroduction of apex predators to ecosystems—is an essential tool for restoring biodiversity. By controlling herbivore populations, these predators prevent overgrazing, which in turn allows diverse plant species to thrive and provides habitats for a wider range of fauna. Text 2: While the theoretical benefits of rewilding are compelling, the practical application often ignores the role of human-modified landscapes. In many regions, the 'top-down' pressure from predators is mitigated by the presence of livestock and agricultural infrastructure, which provide alternative food sources and barriers to movement. Thus, the expected surge in plant biodiversity may not materialize in areas where human activity remains high.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the 'prevailing view' presented in Text 1?
- By arguing that the reintroduction of predators is only effective if human infrastructure is completely removed first.
- By asserting that the plant biodiversity benefits of rewilding are frequently overstated in ecological research.
- By claiming that herbivores are more important for ecosystem health than the apex predators mentioned in Text 1.
- By pointing out that factors not mentioned in Text 1 can interfere with rewilding's predicted ecological outcomes.
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