NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What happened in the American Pacific Coast’s rocky intertidal communities when starfish were removed?
Options
- ANo significant changes were observed
- BMore than 10 species of invertebrates became extinct within a year
- CSpecies diversity increased
- DOnly one species of invertebrate thrived
Correct answer
B. More than 10 species of invertebrates became extinct within a year
Step-by-step solution
The prickly pear cactus introduced into Australia in the early 1920’s caused havoc by spreading rapidly into millions of hectares of rangeland. Finally, the invasive cactus was brought under control only after a cactus-feeding predator (a moth) from its natural habitat was introduced into the country. Biological control methods adopted in agricultural pest control are based on the ability of the predator to regulate prey population. Predators also help in maintaining species diversity in a community, by reducing th