Question

Question 8(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(04.01 MC)

Starting with the European settlers, humans have introduced earthworms from Europe and Asia into North American forests. These introductions continue through the transport of soil that contains non-native earthworms, such as during construction and through the release of non-native earthworms used for fishing. The effects of non-native earthworms are especially large in forests that did not have any native earthworms. For example, forests of the Great Lakes region did not previously have earthworms until humans introduced them. When non-native earthworms are introduced, the thick layer of leaves, known as leaf litter, covering the ground disappears quickly, thereby altering biogeochemical cycles.

What is a possible negative consequence of introducing the non-native earthworms to forests in the Great Lake regions?
PLease hurry
The earthworms reduce the resources available to other animals that eat dead plant matter.
The earthworm decreases the energy flow from one tropic level to the next.
The earthworms provide an additional food source for primary consumers.
The earthworms burrow, which reduces the nutrients, flow of air, and water underground.

Answer 1

The earthworms reduce the resources available to other animals that eat dead plant matter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The introduction of non-native earthworms in the Great Lakes region can have negative consequences on the ecosystem, including reducing the leaf litter and other organic matter in the soil, which is a main food resource for many species of animals and invertebrates, causing a decline in the population of those species. I apologize for any confusion my previous response may have caused.