Global Change
What characteristic do many successful invasive animal species have?
Rapid reproduction rates
Total dependence on one type of food
Reproduction only once per year
Extremely small population sizes
After implementing a biocontrol method using predatory insects against an invasive weed, what unintended consequence should ecologists most critically monitor?
The accidental reduction of native insect populations through competition or predation by biocontrol agents.
The biocontrol insect becoming an invasive pest itself due to lack of predators.
The target weed developing resistance against the predatory insects over time.
A rapid increase in weed biomass as a side-effect of initial predation stress on plant communities.
Which of these acts is specifically designed to control the introduction and spread of non-native species?
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
Safe Drinking Water Act
National Invasive Species Act
Clean Air Act
Which of the following practices most effectively prevent the establishment of a nonnative fish population after accidental release into a river/stream?
Rapid response removal efforts
Introduction of another nonnative predator to control the originally released fish
Creation of artificial reefs to provide habitat diversity
Implementation of fishing regulations targeting only native fish
What long-term effect might an invasive insect that preys on agricultural crops have on farming practices within the affected region?
Crop rotation practices would effectively eliminate the need for any pest management strategies.
Farmers would depend solely on natural predators for controlling pest populations without consequences.
The establishment of conservation reserves nearby farmlands would deter further invasions with certainty.
Farmers may increase their use of pesticides leading to potential environmental contamination.
Why do some invasive animal species become dominant in areas where they have been introduced?
They require special care from humans to survive in the wilderness
They may have few natural predators and are able to reproduce rapidly
They need to learn how to live alongside indigenous animals to form stable ecosystems
They prefer to occupy poor quality habitats that are not suited for other animals
How might the introduction of an invasive plant species most likely affect the biodiversity in a freshwater wetland ecosystem?
It will have no significant impact on the ecosystem's overall primary productivity.
It may decrease native species diversity by outcompeting them for resources.
It will increase genetic diversity among native plant species through cross-pollination.
It will enhance native wildlife populations by providing additional food sources.

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Which factor could most likely reduce the impact of an aquatic invasive species on a freshwater ecosystem?
Increase in water temperature as a result of regional climate change.
Development of waterfront properties leading to habitat fragmentation.
Introduction of a natural predator specific to the invasive species without harming native fauna.
Use of broad-spectrum pesticides aimed at controlling pest populations generally.
What research approach best identifies top-down control shifts following aquatic invasive predator introduction?
Analyzing water quality trends including turbidity alongside predator-population establishment ignoring potential biotic interactions.
Investigating sediment composition disturbance effects upon benthic organisms concurrent with but not caused by predator intrusion.
Monitoring cascading effects on lower-level aquatic consumers triggered by fluctuations within prey fish communities subjected exclusively to predation by said invasives.
Tracking biomass changes solely within newly introduced predatory populations while disregarding subsequent consumer/prey dynamics.
What could be considered a limitation when using mechanical removal methods to control aquatic invasive plant species?
Aquatic life encouraged growth due to vital ecosystem services provided.
Reduction of nutrient levels as root systems take up excess during process.
Water clarity improvement stimulates photosynthesis needed by organisms.
Destruction may cause fragmentation leading to further dispersal.