Question

1. the population of an invasive crab species, callinectes sapidus, is rapidly increasing along coastal europe. this aggressive, fast - growing omnivore reproduces quickly and is causing the extinction of many native species. which statement best describes the effect of a native species extinction on local ecosystem biodiversity and stability? a extinction leads to decreases in biodiversity and decreases in stability. b extinction leads to increases in biodiversity and decreases in stability. c extinction leads to increases in biodiversity and increases in stability. d extinction leads to decreases in biodiversity and increases in stability.

Explanation:

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area. When a native species goes extinct, the number of species in the ecosystem decreases, reducing biodiversity. Ecosystem stability is also disrupted as native species play important roles in food - webs, nutrient cycling etc. Loss of them makes the ecosystem more vulnerable.

Answer:

A. Extinction leads to decreases in biodiversity and decreases in stability.