What major historical shift allowed the Quelea population to surge exponentially beyond natural limits?
Answer
The expansion of cereal agriculture (sorghum, millet, wheat)
The widespread cultivation of cereal crops across Africa provided the Quelea with an incredibly reliable and nutrient-rich food source, allowing their numbers to increase far beyond what natural seed cycles could support.
Related Questions
What classification family do Red-billed Queleas belong to?What is the defining characteristic that makes the Red-billed Quelea notable in the avian world?Where is the historical and current breeding range of the Red-billed Quelea primarily restricted?What primary habitat type do Red-billed Queleas prefer, supporting their staple diet?What does the genus name *Quelea* signify, based on its Latin derivation?What major historical shift allowed the Quelea population to surge exponentially beyond natural limits?How does the Quelea’s nesting strategy compare to that of some other Ploceidae members?When do Red-billed Queleas primarily engage in breeding activities?What ecological role do Queleas fulfill in their native, uncultivated habitats?Why have control efforts sometimes failed to reduce the overall continental population of Queleas?