dogs once covered the expanses of the Great Plains. Their grazing made the grass more nutritious for the huge herds of bison, an
d they were preyed upon by a variety of snakes, raptors, and mammals. In fact, the black-footed ferret (now endangered) specialized in prairie dog predation. Today, increases in housing and agricultural developments have eradicated many prairie dog towns. Which of the following statements about prairie dogs is true?A) Their realized niche has expanded.B) They have a competitive relationship with bison.C) They are probably a poor candidate for keystone species.D) Their fundamental niche has been compromised.E) Their fundamental niche has expanded.
The correct option is D, that is, THEIR FUNDAMENTAL NICHE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED.
Explanation:
From the information given in the question, we are told that the expanses of the Great Plains, which was once occupied by the prairie dogs have been reduced in size due to increased housing and agricultural developments. This implies that, the habitat, which is natural to the prairie dogs has been reduced in size, in another word, their fundamental niche has been compromised.
