Question

The data indicate the populations of mammals in the Florida Everglades in different years over the past two decades. The Burmese python, a non-native species, was introduced to Florida as an exotic pet. After Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992, many pet owners lost track of their non-native snakes. The biodiversity of the Everglades has decreased since then.
According to the data, what hypothesis is best supported with regard to Burmese pythons and Florida Everglade biodiversity?

A) Burmese pythons are omnivorous and have decreased all populations of mammals.
B) Burmese pythons compete with the white-tailed deer most directly for food sources.
C) Burmese pythons lack natural predators and can utilize a wide variety of food sources in the Everglades.
D) Burmese pythons carry diseases and parasites that directly impact the mammal populations of the Everglades.

Answer 1

Answer:

C) Burmese pythons lack natural predators and can utilize a wide variety of food sources in the Everglades.

Explanation:

The fact that the Burmese python can impact white tail deer and raccoons, which are herbivores and omnivores respectively, means that the snakes are attacking a wide variety of mammals. This ability to impact a wide variety of food sources is what makes invasive species so good at decreasing the biodiversity of an area once they are introduced.

Answer 2

Burmese pythons lack natural predators and can utilize a wide variety of food sources in the Everglades

• Burmese pythons are one of the five largest snakes in the world and they are generally found in South Asia

• Burmese pythons can attack wide range of animals including herbivores and omnivores and they are good at decreasing the number of living species

• As it is a invasive species burmese predators lack natural predators in this territories