Abandoned woodpecker cavities are used by many songbirds unable to create their own. The starling, an invasive species in N. America, aggressively competes for these cavities. Either a(n) _______ in woodpecker populations or a(n) _______ in the starling population has the potential to further reduce songbird populations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If there is a decrease in woodpecker populations, there will be fewer available cavities for songbirds to use, which could reduce their populations. On the other hand, an increase in the starling population would mean more competition for the already limited number of cavities, which could also reduce songbird populations. Therefore, a decrease in woodpecker populations or increase in starling populations both have the potential to harm songbirds.

Abandoned Woodpecker Cavities Are Used by Many Songbirds Unable to Create