Columbian Exchange and Ecological Change · US History

Which of the following was an ecological consequence of the fur trade in North America?

  1. The near-extinction of beaver populations and the alteration of wetland ecosystems
  2. The total and complete reforestation of the entire Great Plains region over several decades
  3. The introduction of earthworms to the American South
  4. A decrease in the salinity of the Atlantic Ocean
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Correct answer: The near-extinction of beaver populations and the alteration of wetland ecosystems

Intensive trapping to satisfy European demand for felt hats decimated beaver populations. Since beavers are 'ecosystem engineers,' their removal led to the loss of ponds and altered the hydrology of entire regions.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 20

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