Question 6(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
(04.01 MC)

Starting with the European settlers, humans have introduced earthworms from Europe and Asia into North American forests. These introductions continue through the transport of soil that contains non-native earthworms, such as during construction and through the release of non-native earthworms used for fishing. The effects of non-native earthworms are especially large in forests that did not have any native earthworms. For example, forests of the Great Lakes region did not previously have earthworms until humans introduced them. When non-native earthworms are introduced, the thick layer of leaves, known as leaf litter, covering the ground disappears quickly, thereby altering biogeochemical cycles.

What is a possible beneficial consequence of introducing the earthworms to forests in the Great Lake regions?

The earthworm increases the energy flow from one tropic level to the next.
The earthworms provide competition for other native, primary consumers.
The earthworms burrow, which improves the nutrients, flow of air, and water underground.
The earthworms are secondary consumers that provide another food source for tertiary consumers.