A Parasitic Fungus, Geomyces Destructans, Has Decimated Millions of Bats

Multiple Choice

A parasitic fungus, Geomyces destructans, has decimated millions of bats in the United States since it was first observed in upstate New York in 2006. The disease has been named white-nose syndrome because of the white fungal hyphae that cover the bat upon infection. It is believed that this fungus was introduced from Europe by tourists entering into caves with hibernating bat populations. Which prediction most likely reflects changes that will occur in natural communities as a result of massive bat mortality?

A) increased animal populations as a result of niche availability
B) increased rodent populations as a result of an increase in flying insect populations
C) increased flying insect populations
D) decreased bird populations as the spread of the fungus infects other closely related species