An invasive plant started growing in an ecosystem. In a short time, it covered many areas of the ground, even growing on top of other plants. After a year, the plant had expanded its growth area by five times. Which prediction is most likely accurate about the effects the plant has on the ecosystem?
The overall amount of free energy available to the system increased due to the large production of food.
Many species of plants were eliminated from the system, causing a loss of certain kinds of consumers.
The balance of the ecosystem remained largely intact because the number of autotrophs overall remained constant.
The number of primary consumers likely increased at the same rate as the invasive plant.
(1 point)
1 answer
Many species of plants were eliminated from the system, causing a loss of certain kinds of consumers.