Question

An aggressive, invasive aquatic plant in North America is Myriophyllum spicatum or water milfoil. Which one of the following cannot be the reason for the success of this species as an invasive species?

• A. Milfoil evolved from North American plant species
• B. Milfoil has few natural predators in a nonnative environment
• C. Milfoil has few natural competitors among North American plant species
• D. Milfoil is a hardy plant capable of succeeding in harsher environments
• E. Milfoil is resistant to many native diseases that are adapted to native plant species

Answer 1

The correct option is A Milfoil evolved from North American plant species

Evolution of the invasive plant from native species does not ensure its success in the region. Presence of less predators, less competitors, resistance to native diseases and adaptation to survive under harsh climatic conditions have imparted survival advantage to this invasive species in the non native region.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.