Which statement best describes the chain of events that indirectly led to the near extinction of Urocyon littoralis (island fox) in Roemer et al.'s 2002 study?
A) Feral pigs were introduced, golden eagles began feeding on the pigs, golden eagles then began attacking foxes, foxes nearly became extinct, and skunk populations increased.
B) Feral pigs were introduced, feral pigs began attacking foxes, golden eagles began feeding on pigs, skunk populations increased, and foxes nearly became extinct.
C) Golden eagles were introduced to control the feral pig population, golden eagles began feeding on pigs, golden eagles then began attacking foxes, foxes nearly became extinct, and skunk populations increased.
D) Feral pigs began competing with foxes for food, golden eagles began feeding on feral pigs, skunk population increases as feral pigs decrease, and fox population declines as their primary food source (feral pigs) declines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct sequence starts with the introduction of feral pigs, which attracted golden eagles to the area. These eagles, initially feeding on the pigs, subsequently began preying on the island foxes, leading to a significant decline in their population. The increase in skunk populations is a consequence of the reduced fox numbers.

Which Statement Best Describes the Chain of Events That Indirectly