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.

Which of the following correctly traces a nutrient pathway in a Great Lakes forest that is invaded with non-native earthworms?


trees → leaf litter → earthworm → atmosphere
leaf litter → earthworm → soil → trees
bird → earthworm → soil → trees
earthworm → fungi → leaf litter → trees