Result of Accidentally Releasing Brown Snakes on an Island

What is the MOST likely result of brown snakes being released accidentally on the island?

A. more snakes and fewer birds

B. more snakes and more birds

C. fewer snakes and fewer birds

D. fewer snakes and more birds

Answer:

The most likely result of brown snakes being released accidentally on the island is fewer snakes and more birds.

Imagine an island with many kinds of birds, no native species of snakes, and few large predators. Now, introduce the brown snake or Boiga irregularis, a slender climbing snake known for eating bird eggs.

The brown snake has no natural predators on the island and possesses excellent nocturnal vision, making it a formidable threat to the native bird population. When accidentally released on the island, the brown snakes would prey on the bird eggs, leading to a decrease in the bird population.

Moreover, with the increase in brown snake population due to their successful predation, the island's ecosystem would see a decline in bird numbers and an increase in snake numbers. This imbalance would disrupt the natural food chain and result in cascading ecological influences.

One significant consequence would be the local extinction of the majority of the island's native lizard and bird species. Additionally, the eradication of native pollinators by the brown snakes would lead to a reduction in native plant species, further impacting the island's biodiversity.

Therefore, the accidental release of brown snakes on the island would likely result in fewer birds and more snakes, threatening the delicate balance of the island's ecosystem.