AP BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

HUMANS AND THE BIOSPHERE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
How might an introduced species threaten biodiversity?
A
It may breed with native species and produce new species.
B
It may compete with native species for resources.
C
It may not be able to survive in its new habitat.
D
It may become prey for native species.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Introduced species can devastate populations by disrupting the food chain, predator-prey dynamics and by outcompeting native species. They are particularly devastating on islands as islands are often home to ground dwelling birds due to the lack of mammalian predators.

Detailed explanation-2: -Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats. This can result in huge economic impacts and fundamental disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.

Detailed explanation-3: -The species of plants or animals which are non-native to the introduced environment are known as exotic species. Exotic species will compete for food, resources, and predation in an ecosystem. They are also known as invasive species as they threaten the native species.

Detailed explanation-4: -Invasive alien species are animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms entered and established in the environment from outside of their natural habitat. They reproduce rapidly, out-compete native species for food, water and space, and are one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss.

Detailed explanation-5: -When a new and aggressive species is introduced into an ecosystem, it may not have any natural predators or controls. It can breed and spread quickly, taking over an area. Native wildlife may not have evolved defenses against the invader, or they may not be able to compete with a species that has no predators.

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