Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Alien species are a significant direct threat affecting 30% of all threatened birds, 15% of all threatened plants and 10% of all threatened mammals.
Statement II: At ecosystem level, alien species affect structural diversity, cause local extinction of native species, change fire and nutrient regimes and nutrient cycling patterns as well as produce allelochemical substances.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Assessing Alien Species Threats (Statement I)
Statement I quantifies the direct threat posed by alien species to various groups of organisms. It states that alien species are responsible for affecting 30% of threatened birds, 15% of threatened plants, and 10% of threatened mammals.
Ecological research widely acknowledges invasive alien species as a major driver of biodiversity loss globally. The percentages cited, while specific, are representative of the significant impact these species have on vulnerable populations across different taxa. Therefore, Statement I is considered correct in reflecting the scale of the problem.
Evaluating Ecosystem Impacts of Alien Species (Statement II)
Statement II describes the broader effects of alien species at the ecosystem level. These impacts include altering the physical structure of habitats, leading to the disappearance of native species in specific areas (local extinction), and modifying natural processes like fire frequency and nutrient availability.
Furthermore, the statement mentions changes in nutrient cycling and the release of allelochemicals (substances that affect other organisms). These are well-documented ecological consequences of invasive alien species, which can fundamentally disrupt ecosystem function and stability. Thus, Statement II is also considered correct.
Conclusion on Statements
Since both Statement I, detailing the direct threat percentages, and Statement II, outlining the ecosystem-level impacts, are factually accurate descriptions of the effects of alien species, the most appropriate answer is that both statements are correct.
Important Questions from Biodiversity and Its Conservation
Who introduced the concept of biodiversity hotspot?
Wildlife corridors facilitate
- The most essential strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is by establishing ________.
- The characteristic feature of the background extinction is disappearance of a species at a :
- The first National Park established in India is
