Imagine the environment of an ecosystem changes such that it floods more often. Which species would most likely increase in numbers in this new environment?
a flightless bird species that makes its nest on the ground
an insect species that lives on the leaves of short bushes
a tree species that is tolerant of excess water
a mammal species that burrows underground
1 answer
The tree species that is tolerant of excess water would most likely increase in numbers in this new environment. Since the ecosystem is experiencing more frequent flooding, species that can withstand excess water and thrive in wet conditions would have a competitive advantage. The tree species that can adapt to these changes by growing in waterlogged conditions would have a higher chance of increasing in numbers compared to other species in the ecosystem.