Question

Why do people sometimes introduce coevolved predators of invasive species as biological control agents in invaded ranges?

-A coevolved predator species is more likely to survive in the climate of the invaded range than other potential biological control agents.
-A coevolved predator species of an invasive prey species will not prey on or otherwise affect native species in the introduced range.
-A coevolved predator species has evolved adaptations against the invasive prey species that predators in invaded territories do not possess.
-A coevolved predator species will eradicate the invasive prey species and then die, limiting further effects of either introduced species.

Answer 1

People sometimes introduce coevolved predators of invasive species as biological control agents because these predators have specific adaptations to hunt the invasive prey, can establish self-sustaining populations, and potentially reduce long-term management costs and ecological impacts compared to chemical controls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Why Introduce Coevolved Predators as Biological Control Agents

The practice of using coevolved predators for biological control against invasive species stems from the specific adaptations that these predators have developed alongside their prey, making them effective at containing population explosions of invasive species. Coevolved predator species have critical adaptations that local predators might lack, which enable them to efficiently hunt the invasive species. However, there are risks associated with introducing predators, as they can affect non-target species or fail to control the invasive species as expected.

An example of successful biological control is the introduction of the South American weevils to control water hyacinth infestations. Conversely, failures are also documented, such as the introduction of the cactus moth, which resulted in unintended consequences for native species. These cases underline the importance of understanding the invader's biology and ecology to predict the outcomes of biological control strategies.

Biological control is preferred over chemical methods because it lowers long-term costs and avoids non-target impacts such as those witnessed in the decline of raptor populations due to DDT. Moreover, it can be an ongoing solution that self-perpetuates if the introduced agent establishes itself and maintains the target species at manageable levels.