Invading Animals: The Cane Toad

Australia's isolation hasn't shielded it from invasive species. British colonization introduced non-native species, notably the South American cane toad in 1935, intended to control beetles harming sugar cane crops. However, the toads couldn't reach the beetles and spread uncontrollably, occupying vast areas. Their adaptability and prolific breeding made them highly invasive, displacing native amphibians and affecting various species. This highlights the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of altering a single element.

What was one of the main reasons for introducing the South American cane toad to Australia?

• To provide a new food source

• To control the population of native beetles

• To increase biodiversity

• To improve soil quality

Why did the cane toad fail to control the beetle population in Australia?

• They were not interested in eating beetles

• They preferred other food sources

• They couldn't climb the sugar cane to reach the beetles

• They were eaten by native predators

What characteristic of the cane toad contributes to its status as an invasive species?

• Its preference for cold climates

• Its reliance on a single food source

• Its ability to fly

• Its prolific breeding habits

Which of the following is a consequence of the cane toad's invasion in Australia?

• Introduction of new predators

• Improved sugar cane crop yields

• Decline in native species such as frogs and snakes

• Increased population of native amphibians

What does the cane toad's invasion illustrate about ecosystems?

• Ecosystems can be fragile and easily disrupted

• Introducing new species always benefits ecosystems

• Ecosystems are resilient to changes

• All species can coexist without issues