Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing the impact of urban development on local wildlife. A recent study in Melbourne found that when green spaces are replaced with buildings, bird species diversity drops by nearly 40%. However, the study also noted that planting native trees and shrubs in parks can mitigate this effect. For example, areas with at least 30% native vegetation retained most of their original bird populations. Interestingly, the research showed that introduced species, like sparrows, actually increased in urban areas, but they don't provide the same ecological benefits as native birds. So, the key takeaway is that careful planning of urban green spaces is crucial for preserving biodiversity.
❓ What did the study in Melbourne find regarding bird species diversity?
A. A. It increased by 40% when green spaces were replaced with buildings.
B. B. It dropped by nearly 40% when green spaces were replaced with buildings.
C. C. It remained unchanged if native trees were planted.
D. D. It decreased only in areas with less than 30% native vegetation.
✅ 正确答案
B. It dropped by nearly 40% when green spaces were replaced with buildings.