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When an invasive species alters the community structure it is introduced to, what can the consequence be?

a) Increased biodiversity
b) Enhanced ecosystem stability
c) Disruption of native species
d) Improved ecological balance

User Sharika
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1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The introduction of an invasive species typically results in negative outcomes such as disruption of native species, altered community interactions, and reduced biodiversity and ecosystem productivity within the invaded ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an invasive species alters the community structure it is introduced to, the consequence can be disruption of native species (option c) as well as potential extinction of economically important species (option a), reduced predation on some native species, and increased predation on others (option c). Invasive species can modify entire ecosystems, changing the physical structure of habitats and leading to significant ecological impacts. These species can also be accompanied by parasites and diseases, posing risks to both native biodiversity and human health. The alterations caused by invasive species can result in decreased biodiversity, reduced ecosystem productivity, and a weakened ecological balance.

Overall, the introduction of an invasive species generally results in negative consequences for the invaded ecosystem, including changes to community interactions, the potential for habitat degradation, and a reduction in native species diversity due to competition, predation, and habitat modification. The introduction of an invasive species is a direct threat to the ecological integrity of the area it invades, often leading to imbalanced nutrient cycles and altered community dynamics.

User Leksat
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