The Northern Pacific seastar is a particularly successful invasive species. Which of the following explains why it is so successful in the waters of southeastern Australia, outside of its native environment?

Question

It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.
It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.
It is accustomed to a cold climate.
It is accustomed to a cold climate.
It can cling to the bottom of ships and other vessels.
It can cling to the bottom of ships and other vessels.
It consumes the eggs of the spotted handfish.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the success of the Northern Pacific seastar as an invasive species in the waters of southeastern Australia is:

It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.

This allows it to establish a strong population quickly, outcompeting native species for resources and disrupting local ecosystems. While it may consume the eggs of the spotted handfish, the primary reason for its invasive success lies in its reproductive rate and lack of natural predators in the non-native environment.