Do you drink coffee? A lot of people do—coffee is a major tropical crop, valued at over $100 billion per year. The most popular species of coffee, Coffea arabica, originated in Africa and is now planted extensively in Central and South America. The pest called the coffee berry borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampeii) moved along with the coffee and is a major problem for coffee farmers, sometimes destroying half of the coffee crop in mature plantations. Based on what you have learned in this chapter about global trends in terrestrial ecosystems, what is currently the largest threat to the wet tropical forests in Central America? a. habitat destruction, such as the clearing of forests for coffee plantations b. exotic species, such as the introduction of coffee berry borers c. pollution, such as the use of pesticides in coffee plantations d. climate change, such as changes in precipitation patterns

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking about the largest threat to the wet tropical forests in Central America based on global trends in terrestrial ecosystems.
2. Step 2: Review the information provided. The text mentions coffee plantations, the coffee berry borer beetle, and the potential destruction of coffee crops. However, these are specific to coffee plantations and not necessarily applicable to all wet tropical forests in Central America.
3. Step 3: Consider each of the answer choices. a) Habitat destruction could be a major threat as forests are often cleared for agriculture or other uses. b) Exotic species can also pose a threat, but the text only mentions one specific species related to coffee. c) Pollution from pesticides could be a threat, but again, this is specific to coffee plantations. d) Climate change could affect all aspects of the ecosystem, including precipitation patterns.
4. Step 4: Based on global trends, climate change is a major threat to many ecosystems, including wet tropical forests. However, the question asks for the 'largest' threat. While climate change is a significant threat, the most immediate and direct threat to these forests is often habitat destruction, as forests are cleared for agriculture, including coffee plantations.
5. Step 5: Choose the answer that best fits the question and the information provided. In this case, the answer is a) habitat destruction, such as the clearing of forests for coffee plantations.

Key Concepts

Habitat Destruction

Habitat destruction refers to the process by which natural habitats are rendered unable to support the species present, often due to human activities. In the context of coffee plantations, forests are cleared to make way for crops, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems. This is a significant threat to wet tropical forests, as it not only affects the flora and fauna but also contributes to soil erosion and climate change.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to local ecosystems, economies, or human health. The coffee berry borer beetle is an example, as it damages coffee crops and can lead to significant economic losses for farmers. The introduction of such pests can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems, making it a critical concern for biodiversity in tropical forests.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions, primarily driven by human activities. In tropical regions, changes in precipitation patterns can affect the growth and sustainability of coffee plantations and the surrounding ecosystems. This can lead to increased vulnerability of forests to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events, further threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity.