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Chapter 38: Problem 17

Exotic predator species are especially threatening to what kind of ecosystem? a. deserts b. marine ecosystems c. islands d. tropical forests

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. islands

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question is asking about which ecosystem is most threatened by exotic predator species. Exotic predators are species that are not native to an ecosystem and can cause significant harm.
02

Identify Vulnerable Ecosystems

Different ecosystems have varying vulnerabilities to exotic predators. Consider which type of ecosystem lacks natural predators and has unique species that cannot easily adapt.
03

Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each option: a. Deserts: Ecosystems with extreme conditions may not support exotic predators effectively. b. Marine Ecosystems: These are vast and have many complex food webs, making them somewhat resilient. c. Islands: Contain isolated species with limited adaptation capabilities and lack of natural predators, making them highly vulnerable. d. Tropical Forests: High biodiversity may offer some resilience against exotic predators.
04

Choose the Most Vulnerable Ecosystem

Considering the analysis, islands are the most vulnerable as their isolated nature makes unique species less adaptable to new predators.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Ecosystem Vulnerability
Ecosystem vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of an ecosystem to disruptions, which can lead to adverse effects on its structure and functioning.
Some ecosystems are more resilient than others due to various factors such as biodiversity, climate, and the presence of natural predators.
Exotic predators are particularly dangerous because they are non-native species introduced into new environments where they often have no natural enemies.
This allows them to proliferate and dramatically alter the ecosystem.
This vulnerability can result in the decline or extinction of native species, especially those that have not evolved defenses against these new threats.
Island Ecology
Island ecology deals with the study of ecosystems contained within island environments, focusing on how isolation affects species and ecological processes.
Islands are unique and often fragile ecosystems marked by high levels of endemism, meaning many species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Due to their isolation, island ecosystems lack some natural predators and competitors that are present in mainland ecosystems.
This makes islands particularly vulnerable to exotic predators.
  • Limited Space: Islands have restricted areas, making it easier for exotic species to dominate.
  • Specialized Species: Species on islands often fill unique ecological niches and are highly specialized.
  • Limited Gene Pool: The genetic diversity is lower, hampering adaptation to new threats.
This combination of factors creates an environment where exotic predators can cause significant disruptions, leading to critical impacts on biodiversity.
Species Adaptation
Species adaptation refers to the process by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment through evolutionary changes.
Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
However, island species often evolve in isolation with limited exposure to various threats, making them less adaptable to sudden changes introduced by exotic predators.
Key Points on Adaptation:
  • Slow Evolution: Adaptations in isolated environments occur slowly, as the selective pressures are consistent and predictable.
  • Specialization: Many island species are highly specialized, meaning they have evolved to thrive in very specific conditions.
  • Lack of Predators: Without natural predators, many island species do not develop necessary defenses.
When an exotic predator is introduced, these specialized species are at a severe disadvantage, as their existing adaptations are usually ineffective against the new threat. This can lead to rapid declines in native populations and even extinctions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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Which of the following activities will result in major habitat loss? a. picking wild flowers in a meadow b. cutting a tree in one鈥檚 backyard c. a farmer switching from wheat to soy crop d. building a dam that will flood a large plain
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