Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 75%

Miconia calvescens, a tree with leaves the size of a small child, evolved in heavily canopied forests in South America.When any tree falls and creates a light gap in these dense forest canopies, Miconia calvescens races to fill the gap. Pacific Island forsts, by contrast, have airy, discontinuous canopies. When Miconia arrives in a Pacific Island forest, it has no canopy-forest competitors and fills all the light gaps, creating canopies as continuous as awnings, under which few animals or other plants can live. "It's like a biological desert under there-completely silent," one botanist laments. Adapted from Susan McGrath, "
Attack of the Alien Invaders." ©2008 by National Geographic Socie

The passage suggests which of the following about Miconia?

Rationale

It can destroy a natural habitat.

The passage indicates that Miconia has the potential to damage natural ecosystems, highlighting its invasive nature and impact on biodiversity. This suggests that its growth can lead to the degradation of habitats that are crucial for other native species.

A (It can destroy a natural habitat.) CORRECT

This choice accurately reflects the passage's assertion about Miconia's invasive characteristics, which can lead to significant ecological disruption and habitat destruction. By outcompeting native flora, Miconia can alter the composition of plant communities, ultimately harming the surrounding ecosystems.

B (It adapts equally well to forests and deserts.) YOUR ANSWER

While Miconia is adaptable, this choice misrepresents the passage's focus. The text does not provide evidence that Miconia thrives in both forests and deserts; instead, it emphasizes its prevalence in specific ecosystems, particularly those vulnerable to invasion.

C (It thrives primarily on tropical islands.) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests a limited geographic distribution that the passage does not support. Although Miconia may be found in tropical regions, the text implies that it is not exclusively confined to islands, indicating a broader ecological impact.

D (It provides protection for some plant species.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice contradicts the passage's theme, which discusses Miconia's negative effects on native plant species. Rather than offering protection, Miconia's invasive tendencies typically threaten the survival of local flora, leading to diminished biodiversity.

Conclusion

The passage emphasizes Miconia's harmful impact on natural habitats, particularly through its invasive characteristics. While choices B, C, and D misinterpret or misrepresent the information presented, choice A accurately captures the essence of Miconia's ecological threat. Understanding its role as an invasive species is crucial for conserving biodiversity and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

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