Question

The Brazilian pepper tree was introduced to Florida in the 1840s, and it soon became an invasive species. How do these non-native trees affect the growth of native plants in Florida?

Responses
A They occupy much of the growing space on farmland and pine forests throughout Florida.They occupy much of the growing space on farmland and pine forests throughout Florida.
B They absorb water quickly, making all Florida soil extremely dry and sandy.They absorb water quickly, making all Florida soil extremely dry and sandy.
C They wrap themselves around large pine trees as they grow to reach sunlight.They wrap themselves around large pine trees as they grow to reach sunlight.
D

Answer 1

Introduced in the 1840s, the Brazilian pepper tree has become an invasive species in Florida. It rapidly occupies farmland and pine forests, threatening the growth and survival of native plants by outcompeting them for resources like sunlight and water.

The correct answer is A. They occupy much of the growing space on farmland and pine forests throughout Florida.

Here's why:

• Option B: Brazilian pepper trees do absorb water quickly, but this effect wouldn't be enough to dry out all of Florida's soil.
• Option C: While Brazilian pepper trees can grow tall and spread widely, they don't typically wrap themselves around other trees.
• Option D: This is the most likely option because Brazilian pepper trees are fast-growing and can spread rapidly, outcompeting native plants for resources like sunlight and water. This ultimately leads to a decline in the diversity and abundance of native plant species.

Therefore, based on the information provided, the most significant impact of the Brazilian pepper tree on native plants in Florida is that they occupy a lot of the available growing space, limiting the ability of native species to thrive.