What was the ecological impact of introducing pigs to the landscape?

What was the ecological impact of introducing pigs to the landscape?

• A. Pigs supported deer populations by providing food.
• B. Pigs caused beaver populations to rise.
• C. Pigs ate plants deer relied on, reducing game numbers.
• D. Pigs had no significant ecological impact.

Answer: (C)

Introducing pigs changes the balance of plant communities and native herbivores by increasing competition for food. Pigs eat a wide range of vegetation, including many of the plants that deer depend on for forage. With those plants being consumed or damaged by rooting, there’s less food available for deer, so their numbers decline. Pigs’ foraging also disturbs understory habitat, which can further reduce the resources and cover deer need. So the ecological impact centers on competition for shared plant resources, leading to fewer game animals.

Introducing pigs changes the balance of plant communities and native herbivores by increasing competition for food. Pigs eat a wide range of vegetation, including many of the plants that deer depend on for forage. With those plants being consumed or damaged by rooting, there’s less food available for deer, so their numbers decline. Pigs’ foraging also disturbs understory habitat, which can further reduce the resources and cover deer need. So the ecological impact centers on competition for shared plant resources, leading to fewer game animals.