A nonnative species of animal is introduced into a healthy ecosystem. In its new environment, this species has no predators, although it preys on several native animals in the ecosystem. Make a prediction about the biodiversity and health of this ecosystem in the future?
A.Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both increase in the future
B.Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both decrease in the future
C.Biodiversity will decrease and ecosystem health will increase in the future
D.Biodiversity will increase and ecosystem health will decrease in the future
I am seeing if my answers are right. Is it C?
kobe youll be missed dearly
To make a prediction about the biodiversity and health of an ecosystem after introducing a nonnative species without predators, we can consider the ecological concept known as the "invasive species."
Invasive species typically have a significant negative impact on native species and ecosystems. They often outcompete native species for resources, such as food and habitat, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. Moreover, if the nonnative species preys on native animals, it can cause further decline in native populations and potentially disrupt the entire food web within the ecosystem.
Based on this information, we can eliminate options A and C, as they suggest an increase in either biodiversity or ecosystem health, which is unlikely when an invasive species is introduced.
Thus, the two potential outcomes are options B and D. To determine the correct prediction between these two choices, we need to consider how the decrease in biodiversity and potential disruption of the food web may affect the overall health of the ecosystem.
A decrease in biodiversity can lead to a loss of ecological stability and functioning in the long term. Ecosystem health relies on the presence of diverse species that fulfill various ecological roles. When an invasive species disrupts this balance, it can have negative consequences for the overall health of the ecosystem.
Therefore, the most likely prediction is option B: Biodiversity and ecosystem health will both decrease in the future when a nonnative species is introduced without predators in a healthy ecosystem.