Botanist Dr. Michael Wong studies invasive plant species. He argues that invasive plants often outcompete native species because they lack the natural predators and diseases that would control them in their original habitats.
Which observation would best support Wong's explanation for invasive species success?
When insects that naturally eat the invasive kudzu plant in Japan were introduced to the American South, kudzu's spread slowed by 60%
Invasive plants often have attractive flowers
Some invasive plants were originally introduced for landscaping
Climate change is allowing some plants to spread to new regions
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Introducing natural predators slowed spread—proving lack of predators caused the success.
- Context clues: Wong claims success comes from lacking "natural predators."
- Evidence evaluation: Adding predators reduced spread proves their absence was the cause.
- Verify: 60% slowdown quantifies the predator effect.
đź’ˇ Strategy: "Lack of X causes Y" can be proven by adding X and seeing Y decrease.
Choice B is incorrect because attractiveness doesn't address predator absence. Choice C is incorrect because introduction history doesn't explain competitive success. Choice D is incorrect because climate spread is a different mechanism than predator absence.