Question

a non - native animal is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium. assuming that the non - native animal has no natural enemies and that it thrives in the ecosystem, how will it affect the community?
f only the plants would be affected.
g the entire ecosystem would be affected.
h only the animals would be affected.
j there would be no effect.
options: f, g, h, j

Explanation:

In an ecosystem, all components (plants, animals, abiotic factors) are interconnected. A non - native animal with no natural enemies will compete for resources (food, habitat) with native species. This will impact the native animals (for food/habitat), which in turn affects the plants they interact with (e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, herbivory). So the entire ecosystem is affected, not just plants, animals, or no effect.

Answer:

G. The entire ecosystem would be affected.