Question

invasive species

• invasive species are non - native organisms that spread rapidly and often lack natural ______.
• they can outcompete native species for ____, alter habitats, and introduce new ____.
• human movement, trade, and global travel increase the spread of ______ species.

overharvesting

• overharvesting occurs when individuals are removed faster than the population can ______.
• examples include the extinction of the ____ pigeon and declines in overfished ____ species.
• wildlife products such as exotic pelts, skins, and medicinal items drive illegal and unsustainable ______.

Explanation:

These are fill-in-the-blank questions focused on ecological threats, covering invasive species and overharvesting concepts. The answers are standard terms in environmental science for these topics:

1. Invasive species lack natural predators/controls that limit their spread.
2. They outcompete natives for resources, alter habitats, and introduce new pathogens/diseases.
3. Human activity spreads invasive species.
4. Overharvesting happens when removal outpaces population replacement/reproduction.
5. The passenger pigeon is a classic extinction example from overharvesting.
6. Overfishing reduces marine/aquatic species populations.
7. Demand for wildlife products drives illegal harvesting/hunting.

Answer:

Invasive Species

• Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread rapidly and often lack natural predators/controls.
• They can outcompete native species for resources, alter habitats, and introduce new pathogens/diseases.
• Human movement, trade, and global travel increase the spread of invasive species.

Overharvesting

• Overharvesting occurs when individuals are removed faster than the population can replace/reproduce itself.
• Examples include the extinction of the passenger pigeon and declines in overfished aquatic/marine species.
• Wildlife products such as exotic pets, skins, and medicinal items drive illegal and unsustainable harvesting/hunting.