In the 1930s, the red imported fire ant was accidentally introduced into the united states. this species is native to south america, but has thrived in the united states because of a lack of natural predators here. which of the following best explains how the red imported fire ant has affected native ant species in the u. s. that do have predators?

The correct answer is: the Red Imported Fire Ant caused a decline in native ant species by competing for their resources.

Since the RIFAs didn't have any predators, they only had to worry about survival factors such as finding enough food (resources). This increased competition for resources with other native ant species, who were also still dealing with native predators. Due to this combination, the native ant species declined.