Question

select all the correct answers.

exotic pets, such as lizards and tarantulas, have increased in popularity. these animals are caught in the wild and sold as pets. what are two possible effects this action can have on biodiversity?

• it will lead to greater biodiversity in these animals’ native environments.
• populations of these animals could decrease in the wild.
• it could increase competition among predators of these organisms.
• it increases the chances that wild organisms will find an unrelated mate.

Explanation:

1. Analyze "Populations of these animals could decrease in the wild": Capturing exotic pets from the wild reduces their numbers, so this is correct.
2. Analyze "It could increase competition among predators of these organisms": With fewer prey (the exotic pets), predators compete more for remaining food, so this is correct.
3. Disprove "It will lead to greater biodiversity...": Removing animals from the wild reduces local biodiversity, not increase it.
4. Disprove "It increases the chances...": Capturing animals doesn't directly increase unrelated mating chances.

Answer:

B. Populations of these animals could decrease in the wild.
C. It could increase competition among predators of these organisms.