A predicted increase in global warming may affect the North American ecosystem in that

Select one:

a. the risk of fire will decrease, reducing the destruction of pine cones and reducing lodgepole pine populations

b. increased temperatures will force cougars into settled areas in search of food.

c. a lack of sustained winter temperatures of less than -25 oC will likely increase pine beetle infestations the next summer

d. a decrease in summer moisture promotes fungal infestation destroying more lodgepole pines

4 years ago

Answered By Kye K

C. As temperatures rise and winters become less severe, pine beetle is able to spread more rapidly. Pine beetle has been previously held back by consistent cold temperatures that kill the pine beetle, but with a change towards more mild winters this effect will be reduced allowing pine beetle populations to flourish. 

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