In an experiment in a Hawaiian forest, researchers removed all local birds from an enclosure.This resulted in an approximately 80-fold increase in the population of a non-native species of spider.This result suggests that the spider population was being limited by
A) environmental conditions.
B) biotic resistance.
C) abiotic resistance.
D) the ability of spiders to disperse.
E) the ability of spiders to act as predators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in the non-native spider population after the removal of local birds suggests that the bird population was limiting the spider population through biotic resistance. Biotic resistance refers to the ability of native species to limit the establishment and spread of non-native species in an ecosystem. In this case, the removal of native bird species removed the limiting factor for the non-native spider population.

In an Experiment in a Hawaiian Forest, Researchers Removed All