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A preservation biologist conducted an experiment on two islands (A and B) of similar size, climate, species composition, and richness. Originally, a large population of the same invasive species, a brown tree snake, was present on both islands. It had led to the extinction of some native lizards and forest birds. In her experiment, the biologist removed the brown tree snake from island B but not from island A. She then recorded the number of animal species on each island over a period of 24 months. The data collected is shown in the graph below:

Analyze the data above in terms of interspecific relationships and communities. Which statement best explains the difference in species present on each island over the course of the experiment?

The scientist is the ecosystem engineer of island B.
The brown tree snake was a keystone species on island B.
The brown tree snake is a foundation species on island A.
The brown tree snake is the ecosystem engineer on island A.

Boiga irregularis or brown snake is a slender, climbing snake with a vertical pupil and large eyes, providing it better nocturnal vision. The species has no natural predator. When the brown snake is accidentally released into the island, it will result in local extinction of the majority of the island's native lizard and bird species.

It will also result in cascading ecological influences by eradicating native pollinators, resulting in the corresponding reduction of the native plant species.

Hence, the correct answer will be fewer birds and more snakes.

marianaegarciaperedo marianaegarciaperedo · Answer 2 · 2025-03-31T10:40:04-04:00

Ecosystemic engineers might affect the ecosystem structure and community dynamics. Option D. The brown tree snake is the ecosystem engineer on island A.

What are ecosystem engineer species?

Ecosystemic engineers are organisms that can modify the environment in which they live, influencing other species by changing biotic and abiotic factors and affecting resources availability.

Usually, the interaction of ecosystemic engineers with other species has a consequence on the ecosystem structure and equilibrium.

Based on this concept, many invasive species are considered ecosystemic engineers.

Invasive species are uncontrollable and provoke significant damage to the structure of native ecosystems, affecting endemic species. They produce ecological imbalances in the trophic chains and the dynamics of communities.

By affecting the structure of native ecosystems, they produce cascade effects in resident biota, altering the composition and habits of species in the region and modifying physical and chemical conditions in the environment.

The statement that best explains the difference in species present on each island over the course of the experiment is that The brown tree snake is the ecosystem engineer on island A. Option D.

As we can see, in the presence of the brown tree snake, many species suffered extinction on island A, probably by both direct and indirect effects of the invasive snake.

Island B, on the other hand, kept plenty of species diversity. This is because the snake was removed from the island. Native species managed to increase their population size and to establish again.

You will learn more about ecosystem engineers at

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