▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution
The correct answer is D.
Trophic levels are determined by counting steps from the producer (Grass, Level $1$). In the first path (Grass $\rightarrow$ Impala $\rightarrow$ Leopard), the leopard is the secondary consumer at the third level. In the second path (Grass $\rightarrow$ Locust $\rightarrow$ Scorpion $\rightarrow$ Baboon $\rightarrow$ Leopard), the leopard acts as the quaternary consumer at the fifth level. Therefore, the leopard occupies both the third and fifth trophic levels within this food web.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Deforestation removes trees that absorb \( \text{CO}_2 \), so statement 2 is correct: atmospheric \( \text{CO}_2 \) levels increase. Without tree roots to hold soil, erosion occurs, making statement 3 also correct. Biodiversity typically decreases (not increases) with habitat loss, so statement 1 is false. Flooding often increases because trees can no longer intercept rainfall and absorb water, so statement 4 is false. Thus, only statements 2 and 3 accurately describe deforestation effects.
✅ Answer: (C)
✅ Answer: (C)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
To determine the overall cause of the highest species loss, we must compare the bars across all three animal groups: mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and birds. In each group, the bar representing habitat loss (the darkest shaded bar) is significantly taller than the bars for exploitation, pollution, or other factors. For mammals and reptiles/amphibians, habitat loss accounts for approximately $48\%$ to $50\%$ of species lost, while for birds, it reaches nearly $50\%$. Since this category remains the dominant cause across every single group presented, it is the primary driver of species loss overall.
✅ Answer: (A)
✅ Answer: (A)