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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #45862 Non-indigenous Plants
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Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
* Select the correct answer into all dropdown fields. You need to answer all questions before clicking verify button.
The  invasion  of  non-indigenous  plants  is  considered  a  primary  threat  to  integrity  and  function  of  ecosystems.  However,  there  is  little  quantitative  or    evidence  for  ecosystem  impacts  of  invasive  species.  Justifications  for  control  are  often  based  on  potential,  but  not  presently  realized,  recognized  or  quantified,  negative  impacts.  Should  lack  of  scientific  certainty  about  impacts  of  non-indigenous  species  result  in  postponing  measures  to  prevent  degradation?  Recently,  management  of  purple  loosestrife  (Lithium  malaria),  has  been  criticized  for  lack  of  evidence  demonstrating  negative  impacts  of  L.  malaria,  and  management  using  biocontrol  for  lack  of  evidence  documenting  the  failure  of  conventional  control  methods.  Although  little  quantitative  evidence  on  negative  impacts  on  native  wetland  iota  and  wetland  function  was  available  at  the  onset  of  the  control  program  in  1985,  recent  work  has  demonstrated  that  the  invasion  of  purple  loosestrife  into  North  American  freshwater  wetlands  alters    rates  and  nutrient  cycling,  leads  to  reductions  in  wetland  plant  diversity,  reduces  pollination  and  seed  output  of  the  native  Lithium  album,  and  reduces  habitat    for  specialized  wetland  bird  species  such  as  black  terns,  the  least  bitterns,  pied-billed  grebes,  and  marsh  wrens.  Conventional  methods  (physical,  mechanical  or  chemical),  have  continuously  failed  to    the  spread  of  purple  loosestrife  or  to  provide  satisfactory  control.  Although  a  number  of  generalist  insect  and  bird  species  utilize  purple  loosestrife,  wetland  habitat  specialists  are  excluded  by    of  L  malaria.  We  conclude  that  negative  ecosystem  impacts  of  purple  loosestrife  in  North  America  justify  control  of  the  species  and  that    effects  of  purple  loosestrife  on  wetland  systems  and  iota  and  the  potential  benefits  of  control  outweigh  potential  risks  associated  with  the  introduction  of  biocontrol  agents.  Long  term  experiments  and  monitoring  programs  that  are  in  place  will  evaluate  the  impact  of  these  insects  on  purple  loosestrife,  on  wetland  plant  succession  and  Other  wetland  iota.

Result:

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Correct answer: experimental

Explanation: The word 'experimental' fits grammatically as it describes the type of evidence being referred to, aligning with the context of scientific inquiry. It is an adjective that modifies 'evidence,' indicating that the evidence is derived from experiments.

Meaning: 'Experimental' refers to something that is related to or based on experiments, often used in scientific contexts to denote evidence obtained through systematic testing.

Wrong options:

  • experiencing: 'Experiencing' is a present participle that does not grammatically fit as it does not modify 'evidence' appropriately.
  • experience: 'Experience' is a noun that does not convey the intended meaning of evidence derived from scientific methods.
  • experiments: 'Experiments' is a plural noun and does not function as an adjective to describe the type of evidence needed in this context.
Correct answer: decomposition

Explanation: The term 'decomposition' fits grammatically as a noun that describes the process of breaking down organic matter, which is relevant to the context of ecosystem function. It aligns with the subject matter of nutrient cycling.

Meaning: 'Decomposition' refers to the process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter, essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Wrong options:

  • decomposing: 'Decomposing' is a present participle that does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as a noun in this context.
  • composition: 'Composition' refers to the makeup of something and does not relate to the breakdown process necessary for nutrient cycling.
  • composing: 'Composing' is a verb form that does not fit as it does not convey the intended meaning of the breakdown process.
Correct answer: suitability

Explanation: The word 'suitability' is a noun that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the appropriateness of habitat for specialized bird species. It aligns with the overall theme of habitat quality.

Meaning: 'Suitability' refers to the quality of being right or appropriate for a particular purpose, in this case, the habitat needs of specific bird species.

Wrong options:

  • fixability: 'Fixability' is not a standard term in this context and does not relate to habitat quality.
  • stability: 'Stability' refers to the state of being stable, which does not directly address the appropriateness of habitat for species.
  • friability: 'Friability' refers to the ability to crumble easily, which is not relevant to the context of habitat suitability.
Correct answer: curb

Explanation: The verb 'curb' fits grammatically and contextually as it means to restrain or limit something, which is appropriate in the context of controlling the spread of purple loosestrife.

Meaning: 'Curb' means to control or limit something, particularly in the context of preventing the spread of invasive species.

Wrong options:

  • engage: 'Engage' implies involvement or participation, which does not fit the context of controlling the spread.
  • monopolize: 'Monopolize' means to dominate or control exclusively, which is not relevant to the context of limiting spread.
  • reduce: 'Reduce' implies making something smaller or less in amount, which is similar but does not convey the active control aspect that 'curb' does.
Correct answer: encroachment

Explanation: The noun 'encroachment' fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the gradual intrusion of purple loosestrife into habitats, which negatively affects habitat specialists.

Meaning: 'Encroachment' refers to the gradual intrusion or invasion of one species into the territory of another, often leading to negative impacts.

Wrong options:

  • engagement: 'Engagement' refers to involvement or participation, which does not fit the context of habitat invasion.
  • enlightenment: 'Enlightenment' refers to gaining knowledge or understanding, which is unrelated to the ecological context.
  • enrollment: 'Enrollment' refers to the act of signing up or registering, which does not apply to the ecological situation described.
Correct answer: detrimental

Explanation: The adjective 'detrimental' fits grammatically and contextually, describing the negative effects of purple loosestrife on wetland systems. It aligns with the overall theme of ecological impact.

Meaning: 'Detrimental' means causing harm or damage, particularly in the context of ecological systems.

Wrong options:

  • beneficial: 'Beneficial' means producing good results or helpful effects, which contradicts the context of negative impacts.
  • positive: 'Positive' implies good or favorable outcomes, which does not align with the negative effects being discussed.
  • neutral: 'Neutral' indicates no effect or impact, which is not relevant to the discussion of harmful effects.

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