The Diversity of Our Native Grassland Species Is in Decline

Multiple Choice

The diversity of our native grassland species is in decline. Restoration ecologists working to restore native grasslands are experimenting with combinations of burning and grazing to simulate natural conditions and increase species diversity. According to Joseph Connell, what level of burning and grazing should ecologists aim for?

A) strong enough to limit interspecific competition, but not strong enough to limit the number of species that can tolerate the environment
B) strong enough to promote interspecific competition and niche diversification, but not strong enough to promote competitive exclusion
C) strong enough to promote indirect competition, but not strong enough to promote direct competition
D) strong enough to selectively favor one or more keystone species, but not strong enough to favor their competitors
E) None of the answer options is correct.