The Cuban treefrog invaded Florida in the 1930s and has since spread throughout the southeastern U.S. It produces a “grating squawk” as a mating call. Their call drowns out the mating calls of native frogs, hindering their ability to find a mate. Some frogs, like the Green treefrog, changed their calls, but this also may reduce their ability to attract a mate if females do not learn to recognize the new call.

Question

The Cuban treefrog invaded Florida in the 1930s and has since spread throughout the southeastern U.S. It produces a “grating squawk” as a mating call. Their call drowns out the mating calls of native frogs, hindering their ability to find a mate. Some frogs, like the Green treefrog, changed their calls, but this also may reduce their ability to attract a mate if females do not learn to recognize the new call.

How does the Cuban treefrog cause a reduction in biodiversity?

It reduces biodiversity because it has no natural predators in the area

It reduces biodiversity by reducing successful mating in native species

It reduces biodiversity by reducing food availability for native species

It reduces biodiversity because it reproduces rapidly

Answer 1

It reduces biodiversity by reducing successful mating in native species. By drowning out the mating calls of native frogs, the Cuban treefrog disrupts the ability of native species to find a mate and reproduce, leading to a decline in their population and genetic diversity. This can ultimately lead to a reduction in biodiversity within the ecosystem.