Noxious weeds are weeds that invade ecosystems and grow very quickly and aggressively. In Colorado, more than 1 million acres are affected by noxious weeds. How do noxious weeds affect the biodiversity of an ecosystem? (SC.912.L.17.5) *

Question

1 point
The biodiversity increases slightly because they represent another species in the area.
They increase the biodiversity because they increase the total energy of the producers.
The biodiversity usually decreases greatly as the noxious weeds outcompete the local plants.
The biodiversity is not affected at all since the noxious weeds simply replace the dominant plant in the ecosystem.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: The biodiversity usually decreases greatly as the noxious weeds outcompete the local plants.

Noxious weeds tend to grow aggressively and can outcompete native species for resources such as nutrients, light, and water, leading to a reduction in the diversity of local plant populations and, consequently, the entire ecosystem.