Question

question 9 6.7 pts a non - native plant is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium. assuming that the non - native plant has no natural enemies and that it thrives in the ecosystem, how will it affect the community? a the native species will become more like the new plant. b the number of native species will decrease. c the number of native species will not be affected at all. d the native species will become extinct select all that apply. there is more than one possible answer for this question.

Explanation:

When a non - native plant with no natural enemies is introduced into a mature, diverse ecosystem in equilibrium:

• Option A: There is no reason for native species to become more like the new plant. Native species have their own evolved traits adapted to the local ecosystem, and the introduction of a new plant doesn't drive this kind of convergence.
• Option B: The non - native plant, having no natural enemies, will compete with native species for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This competition will likely lead to a decrease in the number of native species as they struggle to get the necessary resources to survive and reproduce.
• Option C: The ecosystem is in equilibrium, and while the non - native plant may outcompete some native species, it is unlikely that all native species will be unaffected. The non - native plant's presence will disrupt the existing resource - sharing balance among native species.
• Option D: For all native species to become extinct is an extreme and unlikely outcome. The ecosystem has a diverse set of native species, and while some may decline, it is rare for all to go extinct just because of one non - native plant (unless the ecosystem is extremely fragile, but the problem states it is a diverse, mature ecosystem).

Answer:

B. The number of native species will decrease.