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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a possible consequence of introducing a new organism into an existing food chain?
A
Guaranteed increase in biodiversity without any negative effects
B
Immediate stabilization of all trophic levels
C
Disruption of existing population balances, potentially leading to extinction of native species
D
No impact on energy flow or nutrient cycling within the ecosystem
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a food chain: A food chain represents the flow of energy and nutrients through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, starting from producers (plants) to consumers (herbivores, carnivores) and decomposers.
Recognize the role of organisms in an ecosystem: Each organism plays a specific role in maintaining population balances, energy flow, and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.
Analyze the impact of introducing a new organism: A new organism can disrupt existing population balances by competing with native species for resources, preying on native species, or introducing diseases.
Consider the potential consequences: Disruption of population balances can lead to the decline or extinction of native species, affecting biodiversity and altering energy flow and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.
Conclude that introducing a new organism into an existing food chain can have significant ecological consequences, including disruption of population balances, rather than guaranteed positive effects or no impact.