When people from western Europe began settling in Australia, they took a common animal they ate with them, rabbits. How do you think the environment reacted to the introduction of a nonnative species?
A) The nonnative species had little to no affect on biodiversity or the ecosystems.
B) Both the biodiversity and the ecosystems benefited from the introduction of rabbits. ***
C) Both the biodiversity and ecosystems were harmed by the introduction of rabbits.
D) Biodiversity benefited while the ecosystems were harmed.
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The correct answer is C) Both the biodiversity and ecosystems were harmed by the introduction of rabbits.
To understand why rabbits had a negative impact on the environment as a nonnative species, we need to consider a few factors.
1. Ecological Balance: Ecosystems have a delicate balance of species, with each species fulfilling a specific role and interacting with others in various ways. When a nonnative species like rabbits is introduced, it can disrupt this balance by outcompeting native species for resources and altering food chains.
2. Competition: Rabbits are known for their rapid breeding and high reproductive rates. As a result, they can quickly multiply and consume large amounts of vegetation, leading to increased competition with native herbivores for food resources. This can put pressure on native species and even result in the decline or extinction of some plant species.
3. Habitat Modification: Rabbits are burrowing animals, and their digging activities can cause significant damage to the environment. Their burrows can destabilize soil, leading to erosion and affecting plant growth. This can impact the habitat and survival of other organisms, such as burrowing animals and ground-nesting birds.
4. Predation and Grazing: In some cases, rabbits can also become predators of small native animals and birds, directly impacting the biodiversity of an area. Additionally, their grazing habits can alter vegetation composition and affect the availability of food and shelter for other species.
Considering these factors, the introduction of rabbits by European settlers in Australia has had a significant negative impact on the environment, leading to a decline in biodiversity and harming the overall functioning of ecosystems.