Reporting Category 4: Organisms and Environments

TEKS

5.9C: The student is expected to predict effects of changes in ecosystems
caused by living organisms, including humans, such as the overpopulation of
grazers or the building of highways.

Answer

The Eastern Indigo population would decrease (C) because the pythons eat the
same animals that the Eastern Indigo hunt. A lack of food would cause the
native species to be hungry, which would cause a decrease in population due
to starvation or relocation.

Teacher Notes

It may be necessary to explain the difference between native and non-native to
students. A native plant or animal is naturally found in an area. A non-native
plant or animal has been introduced to an area in which it is not naturally
located. Students begin learning about changes in ecosystems in third grade
(TEKS 3.9C).