Passage: 'Endemic fauna on oceanic islands frequently exhibit high vulnerability to invasive predators due to the evolutionary absence of mammalian competitors.' Why are island species especially vulnerable?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Lack of evolutionary adaptations against mammalian predators
- Step 1: 'due to the evolutionary absence of mammalian competitors'. Island species evolved in predator-free environments without defense behaviors. Step 2. This lack of anti-predator adaptations causes high vulnerability. Answer: Lack of evolutionary adaptations against mammalian predators. Why not the others: Other options contradict evolutionary principles on islands.
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