Make up a change in the biotic factors of your ecosystem. Examples could include: an introduction of an invasive species, a species becoming extinct, a species becoming overpopulated, etc.

Question

for the ocean

Answer 1

In the ecosystem of a coastal ocean region, a significant change occurs with the introduction of an invasive species: the tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). Originally native to the Indo-Pacific, tiger prawns are purposely introduced to boost local aquaculture but escape into the wild and establish breeding populations.

Consequences of the Introduction of Tiger Prawns:

1. Predation on Native Species: Tiger prawns are voracious predators that consume a wide variety of marine organisms, including juvenile fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. This predation leads to a decline in populations of native species, particularly those that occupy the same ecological niches.

2. Competition for Resources: The presence of tiger prawns intensifies competition for food and habitat among native prawn species and other benthic organisms. This competition can lead to a decrease in diversity as native species struggle to compete.

3. Impact on Fisheries: As tiger prawns proliferate, they disrupt local fishing industries. While some fishermen may initially benefit from the increased availability of tiger prawns, the collapse of native populations can have long-term negative effects on the overall health and sustainability of the fishery.

4. Alteration of Habitat: Tiger prawns can also alter the physical habitat of the ocean floor. Their feeding behavior can disturb sediment and change the structure of the benthic environment, impacting organisms that rely on stable substrate, such as seagrass and coral reefs.

5. Community Dynamics Shift: The introduction of the tiger prawn changes the food web dynamics. With the reduction of native species and the introduction of a new predator, the balance of the ecosystem shifts, which can lead to unforeseen consequences for the entire marine community, including altering predator-prey relationships.

Summary:

The introduction of tiger prawns into the coastal ocean ecosystem dramatically affects species composition and ecological interactions, leading to ecological imbalance, diminishing biodiversity, and economic ramifications for local fisheries. This case exemplifies the profound impact that invasive species can have on their new environments.