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Q38 - Myxomatosis, Introduced Parakeets, and a Native Falcon in Britain

Theoretical A Real exam question - full text reproduced under IBO's CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Ecology

The world’s longest conservation efforts have restored the populations of many native British species, but several aliens are also thriving. (1) Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were introduced to Great Britain ~ 2000 years ago by the Romans. (2) A pair of Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) was released into London by Jimi Hendrix. (3) Native Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) nest in London, which as Europe’s largest city, provides ample nest sites and prey, including parakeets.

Figure for Q38: Myxomatosis, Introduced Parakeets, and a Native Falcon in Britain

Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.

A. Myxomatosis resistance in British rabbits arose around 1950.
B. Peregrine falcons are effective biocontrols for the parakeet population.
C. Removing rabbits from the UK would help conservation of native species such as Peregrines.
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Question reproduced from IBO 2017, Theoretical Exam A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Official answer key & worked solutions