Question

a marsh supports a large population of cattails, which are tall wetland plants. purple loosestrife, an invasive wetland plant, is introduced to the marsh. both purple loosestrife and cattails require access to sunlight and space along the floor of the marsh to grow. what effect will the growth of purple loosestrife have on the marshs carrying capacity for cattails? a. the carrying capacity will decrease because invasive species are typically predators of native species. b. the carrying capacity will increase because invasive species are typically beneficial to ecosystems. c. the carrying capacity will increase because the cattails can use resources produced by purple loosestrife. d. the carrying capacity will decrease because the cattails will have increased competition for resources.

Explanation:

Invasive species often compete with native species for resources. Purple loosestrife is an invasive wetland plant. With its introduction, cattails will face increased competition for resources like sunlight and space. This increased competition will decrease the carrying - capacity for cattails as there are fewer available resources for them.

Answer:

D. The carrying capacity will decrease because the cattails will have increased competition for resources.