In August 2010, the Asian Clam was discovered in Lake George. It is not native to that lake. A single Asian Clam can reproduce and release hundreds of offspring in a day. The Asian Clam has no predators in Lake George. The Asian Clam eats the same food as native clams.
A scientist set up two model lakes in large tanks with the same animal species as Lake George in both tanks in order to test how the Asian Clam might be impacting the ecosystem. The scientists added Asian Clams to the experimental tank but not the control tank.
Which statement BEST predicts what would likely happen in the experimental tank?
The impact would be negative in the experimental tank because it would increase competition with native clams and reduce the stability of the ecosystem.
The impact would be negative in the experimental tank because it would reduce the amount of food available for the fish and crayfish populations.
The impact would be positive in the experimental tank because it would reduce competition with native clams and increase the stability of the ecosystem.
The impact would be positive in the experimental tank because it would provide the fish and crayfish populations with food.