Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The prickly pear cactus, an invasive species was controlled in Australia by a moth from its natural habitat.
2. Predators help in maintaining species diversity in a community.
3. In the American Pacific Coast the starfish Pisaster is an important predator.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: All of the above
Notes: When certain exotic species are introduced into a geographical area, they become invasive and start spreading fast because the invaded land does not have its natural predators. The prickly pear cactus introduced into Australia in the early 1920's caused havoc by spreading rapidly into millions of hectares of rangeland. Finally, the invasive cactus was brought under control only after a cactus-feeding predator (a moth) from its natural habitat was introduced into the country. Predators help in maintaining species diversity in a community, by reducing the intensity of competition among competing prey species. In the rocky intertidal communities of the American Pacific Coast the starfish Pisaster is an important predator.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.