A volcano erupted in the South Pacific, forming a series of small basalt islands. Over time, the tropical islands came to be covered with small shrubs and grasses, and a population of migrating birds would pass through the islands to feed on seeds and fruits. How did the visit by the birds most likely change the species diversity of the islands?

Question

A volcano erupted in the South Pacific, forming a series of small basalt islands. Over time, the tropical islands came to be covered with small shrubs and grasses, and a population of migrating birds would pass through the islands to feed on seeds and fruits. How did the visit by the birds most likely change the species diversity of the islands?

The visit by the birds decreased then increased the species diversity of the islands because the birds arrived, consumed species, and then left the islands.

The visit by the birds decreased the species diversity of the islands because the birds consumed all of the plants growing on the islands.

The visit by the birds increased the species diversity of the islands because the birds introduced new parasites and plants to the islands.

The visit by the birds caused the species diversity of the islands to remain constant because the birds introduced as many species as they consumed.

Answer 1

The visit by the birds most likely increased the species diversity of the islands because the birds introduced new seeds and plants to the islands through their droppings. This, in turn, led to the establishment of new plant species on the islands, thus increasing overall species diversity. Additionally, the birds may have brought new parasites or organisms with them, further influencing the diversity of species on the islands. Overall, the visit by the birds likely contributed to an increase in species diversity on the islands.