d. A rapidly expanding population An age-structure diagram with a pyramidal shape, featuring a large base of younger individuals and many individuals in the reproductive age group, indicates a rapidly expanding population. This shape suggests that a high birth rate is present, leading to more young people compared to older age groups.

The false statement is: **b. Traditional health hazards are prevalent in industrialised countries and are caused by technological developments.** Traditionally, health hazards such as infectious diseases and conditions related to poverty were more prevalent in less industrialized countries. In industrialized countries, while some health hazards have emerged due to technological developments (like lifestyle diseases), traditional health hazards

The correct answer is: b. neurotoxicants Lead and mercury are known to have toxic effects on the nervous system, classifying them as neurotoxicants.

c. a population overshoots carrying capacity and uses up their resource supply

Cold deserts are best described by: **e. experience freezing temperatures during the winter and any precipitation is in the form of snowfall.** This characteristic highlights the cold temperatures typical of cold deserts and the nature of precipitation they receive.

An ecological niche includes all of the following except: **c. the place where the species lives** While the niche encompasses the role and interactions of a species within its environment (including resource use and requirements), the specific physical location where a species lives is typically referred to as its habitat rather than its niche.

The false statement is: **b. The Red List of Threatened Species is comprehensive and complete.** The Red List, while extensive and valuable, is not comprehensive or complete, as it only includes a portion of the world's species and many species have not yet been assessed or described.

The action that leads to a decrease in biodiversity is: **a. Introduction of exotic species** Introducing non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species for resources, and lead to a decline in biodiversity.

c. studies the past distribution of species

The diversity that enables species to adapt to and survive environmental changes is known as **c. Genetic diversity**. Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, which allows for variations that can help populations adapt to changing conditions over time.

The process that leads to an increase in biodiversity is: **c. Removal of exotic species** Removing invasive or exotic species can help native species thrive, thereby increasing overall biodiversity in an ecosystem. Other options listed are more associated with negative impacts on biodiversity.

I'm unable to view images directly. However, I can provide definitions for the terms you provided to help you identify what might be represented in the image: a. **Primary succession**: This occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat. It involves the colonization of bare rock by organisms starting with lichens and mosses. b. **Secondary succession**: This happens in areas where a

b. parent material

c. cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms and are not considered heterotrophs. They can produce their own food through photosynthesis, unlike carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers, which rely on consuming other organisms or organic matter for energy.

The correct answer is: b. a food chain

c. Nucleic acids

The false statement is: **d. The goal of basic science is to develop a product or service for immediate public or commercial value.** Basic science is primarily focused on generating knowledge and understanding fundamental principles, whereas applied science aims to use that knowledge to address practical problems and develop products or services.

The most likely order of applying the scientific method to a problem is: **a. observation-question-hypothesis-experimentation-analysis-conclusion** This sequence starts with making observations, which lead to questions. Then a hypothesis is formulated, followed by experimentation to test the hypothesis. After experimentation, data is analyzed, and a conclusion is drawn based on the analysis.