Read the following statements about various species of plants and animals. Based on these statements, which one would most likely be classified as an invasive species, and not just a non-native species, in the United States?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Species D, native to Eurasia, has been released in various American states to combat the invasive plant, purple loosestrife. It does not affect other native plants.
Species D, native to Eurasia, has been released in various American states to combat the invasive plant, purple loosestrife. It does not affect other native plants.

Species B is from Europe and can sting people. This species is often farmed in America for its ability to pollinate and provide honey.
Species B is from Europe and can sting people. This species is often farmed in America for its ability to pollinate and provide honey.

Species C, a plant from Japan, was introduced as a foliage crop and to reduce soil erosion. It grows up to a foot per day, smothering low-growing plants and killing trees. It has no natural predators.
Species C, a plant from Japan, was introduced as a foliage crop and to reduce soil erosion. It grows up to a foot per day, smothering low-growing plants and killing trees. It has no natural predators.

Species A is a plant from Eurasia. It is often considered a weed by homeowners and killed by using an herbicide. This plant can be consumed in salads or as a tea and is the first food resource for bees in the spring. It does not grow uncontrollably.

Answer 1

Based on the provided statements, Species C would most likely be classified as an invasive species in the United States.

Species C is a plant from Japan that was introduced for beneficial purposes, such as reducing soil erosion, but it exhibits invasive behavior by growing up to a foot per day, smothering low-growing plants, killing trees, and lacking natural predators. These characteristics make it capable of causing significant ecological disruption, which is a defining trait of invasive species.

The other species either do not exhibit harmful invasive characteristics, or they are beneficial in their new environment, which makes them less likely to be classified as invasive.