Which invasive species arrived in American lakes, consuming plankton and reducing the food supply for native fish?

Which invasive species arrived in American lakes, consuming plankton and reducing the food supply for native fish?

• A. Zebra Mussel
• B. Sea Lamprey
• C. Asian Carp
• D. Great Lakes Compact

Answer: (C)

Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for the same limited resource, in this case plankton, which forms the base of the aquatic food web. Asian carp are efficient filter feeders that consume large amounts of plankton, leaving less for native fish to eat and hindering their growth and survival. Their introduction into American waterways and spread toward lakes raises concern because reduced plankton directly impacts native fish populations and the structure of the ecosystem. While other invasives like zebra mussels also reduce plankton, the scenario described—an invasive fish rapidly consuming plankton and shrinking the food supply for native fish—best fits Asian carp. The Great Lakes Compact isn’t an organism, so it isn’t the match here.

Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for the same limited resource, in this case plankton, which forms the base of the aquatic food web. Asian carp are efficient filter feeders that consume large amounts of plankton, leaving less for native fish to eat and hindering their growth and survival. Their introduction into American waterways and spread toward lakes raises concern because reduced plankton directly impacts native fish populations and the structure of the ecosystem. While other invasives like zebra mussels also reduce plankton, the scenario described—an invasive fish rapidly consuming plankton and shrinking the food supply for native fish—best fits Asian carp. The Great Lakes Compact isn’t an organism, so it isn’t the match here.