AP Environmental Science 9.8: Invasive Species
Practice AP Environmental Science questions on invasive species, generalist and r-selected traits, competition, native species, and control.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Environmental Science
Exam points
- explain why generalist r-selected invaders can outcompete native species for resources
- describe human interventions that can control invasive species and reduce ecosystem damage
Covered syllabus points
9.8 Invasive Species question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Researchers interested in sustainability developed three new varieties of genetically modified green beans designed to produce higher yields in arid regions. Four plots (A-D) were set up on a floodplain of a river to grow beans. Plots A, B, and C were each planted with seeds of different types of genetically modified strains of green beans. Plot D was planted with seeds of unmodified green beans. Each plot was given equal amounts of fertilizer, which contains phosphorus and nitrogen, and water and was irrigated using spray irrigation for one hour per day. Throughout the growing season, researchers measured the amount of green beans harvested within each plot. The plots with genetically modified beans had higher crop yields than the plot with unmodified beans.
Question (a)
(a)
After the last flooding event, a beetle not previously known in the area appeared in one of the plots with less plant diversity. Over a period of a few months, the new beetle population increased, whereas the existing beetle species in the plot had declining populations. Explain why the new beetle species could be better able to successfully populate this plot than the existing beetle species could.
[ 1 ]
After the last flooding event, a beetle not previously known in the area appeared in one of the plots with less plant diversity. Over a period of a few months, the new beetle population increased, whereas the existing beetle species in the plot had declining populations. Explain why the new beetle species could be better able to successfully populate this plot than the existing beetle species could.
Accept one of the following:
- The new beetle is a generalist/r-selected species and could more quickly populate the area/outcompete the existing/native beetle species.
- The flooding of the plot caused a natural disruption to the existing community, eliminating species/natural predators and opening niches for the new/invasive beetle.
- Low diversity communities are susceptible to disruption and can't recover allowing the new/nonnative beetle species to invade
- The new beetle is an invasive species that can live outside its normal environment and threaten native species
Question (b)
(b)
Describe one realistic method to prevent the new beetle from spreading beyond the experimental plot.
Begin your response to this question at the top of a new page in the separate Free Response booklet and fill in the appropriate circle at the top of each page to indicate the question number.
[ 1 ]
Accept one of the following:
- Remove beetles by trapping/physical removal to reduce their population size.
- Apply a chemical/pesticide to kill beetles.
- Add a predator/parasite/pathogen/biological control that harms beetles.
Total for question 110 points
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