A nonnative species of animal is introduced into a healthy ecosystem. In its new environment, this species has no predators, although it preys on several native animals in the ecosystem. Make a prediction about the biodiversity and health of this ecosystem in the future?

A.Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both increase in the future
B.Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both decrease in the future
C.Biodiversity will decrease and ecosystem health will increase in the future
D.Biodiversity will increase and ecosystem health will decrease in the future.

I believe the correct answer is B.

The correct prediction would be B. Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both decrease in the future.

When a nonnative species is introduced into a healthy ecosystem without any predators, it can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. In this case, the introduced species preys on several native animals, which can result in a decline in their populations. As a result, the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem decreases because there are fewer species present.

Additionally, the loss of native species can also lead to a decrease in the health of the ecosystem. Each species in an ecosystem plays an important role in maintaining the balance and functioning of the ecosystem. When native species are preyed upon, it can destabilize the food web and affect other organisms in the ecosystem. This can result in a decline in the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.

To arrive at this prediction, we consider the principles of ecological and population dynamics. Understanding the interactions between species, their roles in the ecosystem, and the consequences of the introduction of nonnative species can help us make informed predictions about the future of the biodiversity and health of an ecosystem.