Although it is thought by many people to be a native plant of the US Southwest,

Question

Although it is thought by many people to be a native plant of the US Southwest, tumbleweed is a non-native plant species that was introduced from France. It gets its name because adult plants containing seeds separate from their roots and "tumble" to new areas where their seeds can germinate. Which one of the following characteristics explains why tumbleweed was such a successful invader? AND WHY?

   A. There are lots of herbivorous insects in France, and coevolution with these insects led to tumbleweed being resistant to a lot of insect herbivores.

   B. The climates of France and the US Southwest are very different, so tumbleweed evolved differences from native plants in the US Southwest that allow resource partitioning.

   C. Tumbleweeds are good dispersers and are therefore very successful in areas disturbed by humans.

   D. all of the above

Explanation / Answer

D. all of the above

Tumbleweed evolved to be a successful invader due to all of the above said reasons. The bracts and spiny leaves prevent them from predation, and they host many insects that help in their pollination. They are extremely good at dispersing their seeds, which do not have a seed and germinate readily when suitable temperature is present.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.