Biological control is the deliberate introduction of one species into an area to control an already invasive species.Mongooses were introduced to several Hawaiian islands in the 1880s to control rats in sugar cane fields.However, rats are nocturnal and mongooses are diurnal, so the two species never crossed paths.Instead, mongooses feed on nestlings and eggs of rare ground-nesting birds and endangered sea turtles.Mongooses usually avoid traps if prey is abundant.The U.S.Army is now trying a new mongoose trap used successfully in New Zealand.Based on this information, what can be said about the use of mongooses as a biological control method in this case?
A) It was completely successful.
B) It was partially successful.
C) It was unsuccessful and resulted in an invasive species.
D) It will be considered successful if the new traps work.
E) It will be considered successful if bird and turtle populations survive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The introduction of mongooses to control rats was unsuccessful because they did not reduce the rat population and instead became an invasive species themselves, preying on native birds and turtles.

Biological Control Is the Deliberate Introduction of One Species into an Area