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?
a
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.
b
The visit by the birds increased the species diversity of the islands because the birds introduced new parasites and plants to the islands.
c
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.
d
The visit by the birds decreased the species diversity of the islands because the birds consumed all of the plants growing on the islands.
b
The visit by the birds most likely increased the species diversity of the islands because they introduced new seeds and fruits from other locations, leading to the growth of new plants on the islands. Additionally, the birds may have also introduced new parasites and plants to the islands, further contributing to an increase in species diversity.