The northern pacific sea star is particularly successful, invasive species, which of the following explains why it is so successful in the waters of southern Australia, outside of its native environment

Answer 1

There are several reasons why the northern pacific sea star is so successful as an invasive species in the waters of southern Australia:

1. Lack of natural predators: The northern pacific sea star has no natural predators in the waters of southern Australia, which allows its population to grow unchecked.

2. Rapid reproduction: The northern pacific sea star has a high reproductive rate, with females producing up to 20 million eggs per year. This allows the species to quickly establish large populations in new environments.

3. Wide range of habitats: The northern pacific sea star is able to survive in a wide range of habitats, from rocky intertidal zones to sandy and muddy seabeds. This makes it adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions and increases its chances of successful colonization.

4. Efficient feeding: The northern pacific sea star is an efficient predator, able to consume a wide variety of prey including mussels, oysters, and sea urchins. Its ability to feed on different types of prey allows it to outcompete native species and gain a foothold in new environments.

5. Human activity: Human activity such as shipping and aquaculture has facilitated the spread of the northern pacific sea star to new environments. The species is often transported on the hulls of ships or in ballast water, and can also be unintentionally introduced through the movement of aquaculture stock.