Giant salvinia is a floating fern native to Brazil introduced to Texas as an aquarium plant and is now found in large bodies of water across the state. The invasive plant may be carried to new bodies of water by fishing and recreational boats. It grows quickly, covering large areas of the water's surface. When the plant dies and decomposes, the oxygen content in the water declines.
Part A
Which statement BEST describes how giant salvinia affects a Texas ecosystem?
It inhibits the growth of native plant species.
It increases the stability of the ecosystem.
It promotes the growth of new types of plants.
It provides an energy source for the ecosystem.
Part B
Which evidence supports the answer to Part A?
Giant salvinia releases carbon dioxide that other plants cannot use.
Giant salvinia is poisonous to other plants that grow on the water's surface.
Giant salvinia produces waste products that are used by other plants.
Giant salvinia prevents light from reaching plants that grow underwater.
...
1 answer
Part A
The statement that BEST describes how giant salvinia affects a Texas ecosystem is:
It inhibits the growth of native plant species.
Part B
The evidence that supports the answer to Part A is:
Giant salvinia prevents light from reaching plants that grow underwater.
This evidence indicates that by covering the water's surface, giant salvinia blocks sunlight, which is essential for underwater plants to photosynthesize, leading to their decline and inhibiting their growth.
