Which biological control method can impact the population of invasive species?

Prepare for the SQA National 5 Biology Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions and flashcards, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The introduction of natural predators is a biological control method that effectively impacts the population of invasive species by utilizing organisms that naturally prey on or compete with the invasive species. This method leverages the ecological relationships that exist in nature, where the natural predators can help regulate the invasive species' population by reducing their numbers.

By controlling the population of invasive species, natural predators can help to restore balance to the ecosystem. This approach is particularly valuable because it can lead to long-term solutions for managing invasive species without the negative environmental impacts often associated with chemical pesticides.

Other methods such as selective breeding, application of pesticides, and crop rotation do not directly target the invasive species in the way that introducing natural predators does. Selective breeding focuses on improving traits in a particular species rather than controlling populations of invasive species. Pesticides, while effective against specific pests, can have unintended consequences on non-target organisms and the environment. Crop rotation is primarily a method used to maintain soil health and manage pests within agricultural systems but does not specifically address the control of invasive species populations.

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