Which of the following is most likely to cause the greatest disruption to an ecosystem?

• A. Gradual soil erosion
• B. Seasonal migration of native animals
• C. Natural fluctuations in weather
• D. Introduction of an invasive species

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of an ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It is balanced by the relationships between species and their surroundings.
2. Define invasive species: An invasive species is a non-native organism introduced to an ecosystem that can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food chains, and alter the environment.
3. Compare the options: Gradual soil erosion, seasonal migration of native animals, and natural fluctuations in weather are natural processes that ecosystems have adapted to over time. These changes typically do not cause long-term disruptions.
4. Analyze the impact of invasive species: Unlike natural processes, invasive species can rapidly alter ecosystems by introducing competition, predation, or diseases that native species are not equipped to handle. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem collapse.
5. Conclude why invasive species cause the greatest disruption: The introduction of an invasive species is most likely to cause the greatest disruption because it introduces a foreign element that the ecosystem is not prepared to manage, leading to significant and often irreversible changes.