Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.

Figure 52.1
-Species introduced to new geographic locations
A)are usually successful in colonizing the area.
B)always spread because they encounter no natural predators.
C)increase the diversity and therefore the stability of the ecosystem.
D)can out-compete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources.
E)are always considered pests by ecologists.

Question

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Species introduced to new geographic locations
A)are usually successful in colonizing the area. 
B)always spread because they encounter no natural predators. 
C)increase the diversity and therefore the stability of the ecosystem. 
D)can out-compete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources. 
E)are always considered pests by ecologists.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diagram shows that the cattle egret, a species introduced to the New World, has rapidly spread to various regions. This is an example of how introduced species can out-compete and displace native species for resources, leading to negative impacts on the ecosystem. Therefore, option D is the best answer.

Use the Following Diagram from the Text Showing the Spread