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?(1 point)
Responses
It can cling to the bottom of ships and other vessels.
It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.
It consumes the eggs of the spotted handfish.
It is accustomed to a cold climate.
The correct response is: It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.
The reason why the Northern Pacific seastar is particularly successful in the waters of southeastern Australia, outside of its native environment, is that it breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment.
To identify the reason why the Northern Pacific seastar is successful in the waters of southeastern Australia, we need to assess each of the given options:
1. "It can cling to the bottom of ships and other vessels."
This statement suggests that the seastar's ability to attach itself to ships or vessels could aid in spreading and establishing populations in new areas. However, this alone does not fully explain its success in southeastern Australia.
2. "It breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment."
This option suggests that the seastar's fast reproduction rate and the absence of predators play a significant role in its success. Rapid breeding allows the species to quickly increase its population, and the lack of natural predators means less competition and fewer threats to its survival.
3. "It consumes the eggs of the spotted handfish."
This statement implies that the seastar preys on the eggs of the spotted handfish. While this may contribute to the seastar's success by reducing potential competitors, it does not elaborate on why it thrives specifically in southeastern Australia.
4. "It is accustomed to a cold climate."
This option implies that the seastar's adaptation to colder environments might give it a competitive advantage in the waters of southeastern Australia. However, without further information, it is unclear how this adaptation plays a significant role in its success.
Based on the given explanations, the most plausible answer for why the Northern Pacific seastar is successful in the waters of southeastern Australia, outside of its native environment, is that it breeds rapidly and has no predators in this environment. This combination of factors likely contributes to its ability to thrive in this region.