Islands such as the Hawaiian Islands are particularly vulnerable to introduced species because
A) the species on islands have not evolved with the invasive species and are easily outcompeted by them.
B) the species on islands have evolved defense mechanisms for invasive insects but not invasive plants.
C) predators native to the islands cannot digest invasive species.
D) selective breeding of the native plants and animals by humans has bred out all of their natural defenses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Islands have unique and fragile ecosystems that have evolved over time without many of the pressures and competition found on continental ecosystems. As a result, species on islands have not evolved to compete with or defend against introduced species, making them vulnerable to being outcompeted and potentially driven to extinction.

Islands Such as the Hawaiian Islands Are Particularly Vulnerable to Introduced