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Provide 2 examples of a biocontrol gone wrong

User Remorath
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Final Answer:

Two examples of biocontrol gone wrong include the introduction of the cane toad in Australia, intended to control beetles, and the release of the mongoose in Hawaii to manage rat populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Biocontrol involves using living organisms to manage pests, but sometimes these interventions can lead to unintended consequences. In Australia, the introduction of cane toads in 1935 to control the cane beetle resulted in ecological imbalance. The toads multiplied rapidly, became pests themselves, and posed threats to native wildlife due to their toxic secretions. In Hawaii, the introduction of mongooses in the 19th century to control rats had adverse effects.

Instead of reducing the rat population, mongooses became a problem by preying on native birds and small mammals, disrupting the ecosystem. These examples highlight the importance of thorough risk assessments before implementing biocontrol measures.

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