The Following Questions Refer to the Description Below

question 9

Multiple Choice

The following questions refer to the description below.
Fynbos are endemic shrubs found in the Cape province of South Africa. A small botanical region known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of plant diversity. Fynbos shrubs, readily recognized by their small, hard, tough, leathery leaves, are well adapted to summer droughts, nutrient-poor soils, and periodic fires. The fynbos shrub community plays a key role in maintaining a regional supply of water. In recent decades, exotic plant species, such as acacia trees from Australia and pine trees from Europe, have been introduced to South Africa and have invaded the fynbos. Researchers are now observing that stream flow from fynbos watersheds is inversely proportional to plant biomass and natural fire cycles have changed.
-Speculate on the most likely reasons why exotic/invasive trees are disrupting the natural ecological functions of the fynbos shrub community. 1. Invasive tree species likely grow larger and faster than the shrubs and can increase the intensity and severity of fires, harming the native vegetation.
2. Invasive tree species require/utilize more water than native vegetation, decreasing stream flow.
3. Invasive trees are bigger than the native shrubs and prevent natural fires.
4. Invasive trees transpire less than the native fynbos, disrupting the hydrological cycle of the region.
5. The invasive species have a different root system and expose the area to soil erosion.

• A)1 and 2
• B)1 and 3
• C)1 and 4
• D)3 and 5
• E)4 and 5

---

Definitions:

Paleozoic Era

A geological time period that lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago, marked by significant evolutionary developments, including the rise of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Cenozoic Era

Span of geologic time extending from 66 mya to the present; marked by diversification of mammals, birds, insects, and flowering plants. Divided into Paleogene (66–23 mya), Neogene (23–2.6 mya), and Quaternary (2.6 mya to present) periods.

Chemical Evolution

The gradual process by which simple chemical compounds give rise to more complex molecules, eventually leading to the emergence of life.

Brachiate Primates

Primates that move by swinging with their arms from one handhold to another, also known as brachiation.