Question
Why are cane toads in Australia considered an invasive species rather than simply nonnative?
a.
They are destructive to native species and have no natural predators.
b.
They reproduce more quickly than native species.
c.
They have venom glands.
d.
Large adult specimens are able to hunt snakes.
a.
They are destructive to native species and have no natural predators.
b.
They reproduce more quickly than native species.
c.
They have venom glands.
d.
Large adult specimens are able to hunt snakes.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Cane toads in Australia are considered an invasive species rather than simply nonnative primarily because:
**a. They are destructive to native species and have no natural predators.**
Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 in an attempt to control agricultural pests, but they have since become a major ecological threat. They reproduce rapidly and their toxicity poses a significant risk to native wildlife, as many native species have no defense against their venom. This lack of natural predators allows the cane toad population to grow unchecked, leading to detrimental impacts on local ecosystems.
**a. They are destructive to native species and have no natural predators.**
Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 in an attempt to control agricultural pests, but they have since become a major ecological threat. They reproduce rapidly and their toxicity poses a significant risk to native wildlife, as many native species have no defense against their venom. This lack of natural predators allows the cane toad population to grow unchecked, leading to detrimental impacts on local ecosystems.