The Kudzu vine was brought to the United States from Japan. Which of the following additional characteristics of the Kudzu vine determined that it was an invasive species?
a
it has no economic benefit
b
it was believed to be a "miracle plant"
c
it protects vulnerable grounds against wind erosion
d
it grows rapidly, robbing other plants of sunlight
Question 17 (1 point)
Why are invasive species such a huge threat to ecosystems?
a
Invasive species can do intense damage, so much so that ecosystems may not be able to recover.
b
Invasive species provide no added benefit or diversity to the ecosystem.
c
Invasive species are impossible to control once they are introduced and spread rapidly.
d
Invasive species can replace native species, forcing their migration out of the area.
Question 18 (1 point)
What aspect of an organism makes it an invasive species?
a
It is from a different ecosystem.
b
It does harm and is introduced to the ecosystem.
c
It is harmful to organisms in all ecosystems.
d
It has no predators in the new ecosystem.
Question 19 (1 point)
Which ecosystem service do decomposers provide?
a
nutrient cycling
b
food production
c
soil creation
d
water cycling
Question 20 (1 point)
What is the definition of ecological resistance?
a
an ecosystem’s ability to endure in changing conditions
b
an ecosystem’s ability to manage population density
c
an ecosystem’s ability to improve after a setback
d
an ecosystem’s ability to replace species that are wiped out
The additional characteristic of the Kudzu vine that determined it was an invasive species is that it grows rapidly, robbing other plants of sunlight.
Invasive species are a huge threat to ecosystems because they can do intense damage, so much so that ecosystems may not be able to recover.
An organism is considered an invasive species if it does harm and is introduced to the ecosystem.
Decomposers provide the ecosystem service of nutrient cycling.
Ecological resistance is the ability of an ecosystem to endure in changing conditions.
Question 17 (1 point)
The reason invasive species are such a huge threat to ecosystems is because they can do intense damage, so much so that ecosystems may not be able to recover.
Question 18 (1 point)
The aspect of an organism that makes it an invasive species is that it does harm and is introduced to the ecosystem.
Question 19 (1 point)
The ecosystem service that decomposers provide is nutrient cycling.
Question 20 (1 point)
The definition of ecological resistance is an ecosystem's ability to endure in changing conditions.
Question 16: To determine which characteristic of the Kudzu vine determined that it was an invasive species, we need to evaluate each option:
a) It has no economic benefit - This characteristic alone does not necessarily determine if it is an invasive species or not.
b) It was believed to be a "miracle plant" - This characteristic may indicate that it was introduced intentionally, but it doesn't necessarily determine if it is an invasive species or not.
c) It protects vulnerable grounds against wind erosion - While this characteristic may have some positive effects, it does not determine if it is an invasive species or not.
d) It grows rapidly, robbing other plants of sunlight - This characteristic indicates that the Kudzu vine can outcompete other plants and take over an area, which is a key characteristic of invasive species.
Therefore, the correct answer is option d. It grows rapidly, robbing other plants of sunlight.
Question 17: To understand why invasive species are considered a huge threat to ecosystems, let's evaluate each option:
a) Invasive species can do intense damage, so much so that ecosystems may not be able to recover - This option highlights the potential for severe damage by invasive species that can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem and make it challenging for recovery.
b) Invasive species provide no added benefit or diversity to the ecosystem - While invasive species may not provide added benefits or diversity, this alone does not fully explain why they are considered a huge threat.
c) Invasive species are impossible to control once they are introduced and spread rapidly - This option emphasizes the difficulty of controlling invasive species once they are introduced, which can lead to their rapid spread and negative impacts.
d) Invasive species can replace native species, forcing their migration out of the area - This option highlights how invasive species can outcompete and displace native species, which can disrupt ecological balance and force native species to migrate.
Based on the above evaluations, the correct answer is option a. Invasive species can do intense damage, so much so that ecosystems may not be able to recover.
Question 18: To determine what aspect of an organism makes it an invasive species, let's evaluate each option:
a) It is from a different ecosystem - While an organism being from a different ecosystem can contribute to it being introduced to a new ecosystem, it alone does not define it as invasive.
b) It does harm and is introduced to the ecosystem - This option highlights a key aspect of invasive species - they cause harm and are introduced to a new ecosystem.
c) It is harmful to organisms in all ecosystems - While invasive species can be harmful to ecosystems, this is not the defining aspect of an invasive species.
d) It has no predators in the new ecosystem - While the absence of predators may contribute to the success of an invasive species, it is not the sole determining factor.
Based on the above evaluations, the correct answer is option b. It does harm and is introduced to the ecosystem.
Question 19: To identify the ecosystem service provided by decomposers, let's evaluate each option:
a) Nutrient cycling - Decomposers play a vital role in breaking down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem, which supports nutrient cycling.
b) Food production - Decomposers are not directly involved in food production.
c) Soil creation - Decomposers contribute to the decomposition process, which aids in soil formation.
d) Water cycling - Decomposers are not directly involved in water cycling.
Based on the above evaluations, the correct answer is option a. Nutrient cycling.
Question 20: To define ecological resistance, let's evaluate each option:
a) An ecosystem’s ability to endure in changing conditions - Ecological resistance refers to an ecosystem's ability to withstand and recover from perturbations, such as disturbances or changes in environmental conditions. This option correctly defines ecological resistance.
b) An ecosystem’s ability to manage population density - While managing population density may be important, it does not fully encompass the concept of ecological resistance.
c) An ecosystem’s ability to improve after a setback - This option describes ecosystem resilience, which is related to ecological resistance but not the exact definition.
d) An ecosystem’s ability to replace species that are wiped out - This option does not accurately define ecological resistance.
Based on the above evaluations, the correct answer is option a. An ecosystem’s ability to endure in changing conditions.