Living Environment Regents Practice Test

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Prepare for the Living Environment Regents Test. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and thorough explanations. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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How has acid rain impacted the sugar maple population?

It has increased their growth rates
It threatens their survival through weakened ecosystems
It has no significant effect
It enhances their economic value

The correct answer is: It threatens their survival through weakened ecosystems

The impact of acid rain on the sugar maple population is significant and primarily threatens their survival through weakened ecosystems. Acid rain results from pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which lower the pH of soil and water bodies. This shift in acidity can adversely affect plant health, nutrient availability, and soil quality. For sugar maples, this can lead to stunted growth, increased susceptibility to diseases, and a decline in overall health, which puts them at risk in their natural habitats. As the acidity alters the ecosystem, it affects other organisms as well, leading to a cascading effect that can further jeopardize the survival of the sugar maple and other sympatric species. The long-term implications of these changes may hinder their population stability and ecological role.