What impact do invasive species have on the ecosystem of Lake Ontario?

What impact do invasive species have on the ecosystem of Lake Ontario?

• A. They increase native fish populations
• B. They disrupt food chains
• C. They reduce water levels
• D. They improve water quality

Answer: (B)

Invasive species can significantly disrupt the food chains within Lake Ontario's ecosystem. These species often compete with native organisms for food and habitat, which can lead to a decline in native populations. For instance, invasive fish species may predate on smaller native fish or outcompete them for resources such as food, which are crucial for their survival and reproduction. Furthermore, some invasive species may alter the physical environment, such as water quality or sediment composition, impacting the overall health of native ecosystems. This disruption affects not only fish populations but can also ripple through the entire ecosystem, influencing plant life, other animal species, and ultimately human activities reliant on the lake's resources.

Invasive species can significantly disrupt the food chains within Lake Ontario's ecosystem. These species often compete with native organisms for food and habitat, which can lead to a decline in native populations. For instance, invasive fish species may predate on smaller native fish or outcompete them for resources such as food, which are crucial for their survival and reproduction. Furthermore, some invasive species may alter the physical environment, such as water quality or sediment composition, impacting the overall health of native ecosystems. This disruption affects not only fish populations but can also ripple through the entire ecosystem, influencing plant life, other animal species, and ultimately human activities reliant on the lake's resources.