Which term describes a plant that has spread outside its native range and causes environmental or economic harm?

Which term describes a plant that has spread outside its native range and causes environmental or economic harm?

• A. A noxious weed
• B. An invasive species
• C. Native species
• D. Endangered species

Answer: (B)

An invasive species is a non-native plant that spreads beyond its original range and causes environmental or economic harm. This matches the scenario because the plant has moved into areas outside where it evolved and now disrupts ecosystems, outcompetes native plants, or affects agriculture and resources. Native species stay in their historic range, so they don’t fit the spread criterion. Endangered species describe plants at risk of extinction, not their tendency to spread or cause harm. A noxious weed is a legal designation for troublesome weeds, often non-native, but the situation described—ecological or economic harm from spreading beyond native range—fits the broader concept of an invasive species.

An invasive species is a non-native plant that spreads beyond its original range and causes environmental or economic harm. This matches the scenario because the plant has moved into areas outside where it evolved and now disrupts ecosystems, outcompetes native plants, or affects agriculture and resources. Native species stay in their historic range, so they don’t fit the spread criterion. Endangered species describe plants at risk of extinction, not their tendency to spread or cause harm. A noxious weed is a legal designation for troublesome weeds, often non-native, but the situation described—ecological or economic harm from spreading beyond native range—fits the broader concept of an invasive species.