A type of green seaweed known as "killer algae" was once native to the Indian and Pacific oceans but has escaped from aquariums in California, Japan, Australia, and Monaco.In the Mediterranean, it is replacing native algae and depriving native marine life of food and habitat.California eradicated the algae by using costly toxic chemicals.Would killer algae be considered invasive, or merely introduced? Why?
A) Invasive, because it has escaped from its natural habitat
B) Invasive, because it has become known as "killer algae"
C) Invasive, because it is adversely affecting native marine life
D) Introduced, because it was released from aquariums
E) Introduced, because it has escaped from its natural habitat

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Killer algae is considered invasive because it is adversely affecting native marine life by replacing native algae and depriving them of food and habitat. The fact that it escaped from its natural habitat and was introduced through aquariums is secondary to its negative impact on the ecosystem. The label "killer algae" refers to its aggressive growth and dominance over other species, but it is not the main reason why it is considered invasive.

A Type of Green Seaweed Known as "Killer Algae" Was