Which term describes a living organism introduced to a new area where it has few natural predators and which can disrupt the local ecosystem?

Which term describes a living organism introduced to a new area where it has few natural predators and which can disrupt the local ecosystem?

• A. Invasive Species
• B. Renewable Resources
• C. Groundwater
• D. Weather

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the concept of an invasive species. This describes a living organism that is introduced to a new area where it has few natural predators or controls, allowing its population to grow rapidly and disrupt the local ecosystem. When such a species arrives, it often competes effectively with native organisms for resources like food and space, which can lead to declines in native populations and changes to the structure of the community. Because there are few natural checks in the new environment, these invaders can spread quickly, alter habitats, and reduce biodiversity, sometimes even changing nutrient cycles and ecosystem services. Examples that illustrate this idea include species like zebra mussels in new waters, or certain vines and insects that spread aggressively when released into environments without their usual predators. The other terms describe different ideas—renewable resources are resources that can replenish over time, groundwater is water stored underground, and weather refers to atmospheric conditions—none of which capture the notion of a non-native organism that disrupts an ecosystem.

The main idea being tested is the concept of an invasive species. This describes a living organism that is introduced to a new area where it has few natural predators or controls, allowing its population to grow rapidly and disrupt the local ecosystem. When such a species arrives, it often competes effectively with native organisms for resources like food and space, which can lead to declines in native populations and changes to the structure of the community. Because there are few natural checks in the new environment, these invaders can spread quickly, alter habitats, and reduce biodiversity, sometimes even changing nutrient cycles and ecosystem services.

Examples that illustrate this idea include species like zebra mussels in new waters, or certain vines and insects that spread aggressively when released into environments without their usual predators. The other terms describe different ideas—renewable resources are resources that can replenish over time, groundwater is water stored underground, and weather refers to atmospheric conditions—none of which capture the notion of a non-native organism that disrupts an ecosystem.