Cabomba furcuta, recently seen in the news, is a:a)invasive speciesb)k...
The answer is option 'A' - invasive species.Explanation:
Invasive species are non-native species that have been introduced into a new environment and have the potential to cause harm to the native species, ecosystems, or human activities. They often outcompete native species for resources and can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem.
Cabomba furcata is a species of aquatic plant that is native to South America. However, it has been introduced to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant is commonly known as red cabomba or fanwort.
Characteristics of Cabomba furcata:
- Cabomba furcata is a submerged aquatic plant with finely divided, fan-shaped leaves.
- It has a reddish coloration, which makes it popular in the aquarium trade.
- The plant can grow rapidly and form dense mats in the water, which can have negative impacts on native aquatic plants and animals.
Invasion and Impact:
- Cabomba furcata is considered an invasive species in many regions where it has been introduced.
- The plant has the ability to outcompete native aquatic plants for resources such as light, nutrients, and space.
- It can form dense mats that interfere with the movement of fish and other aquatic organisms.
- The dense growth of Cabomba furcata can also reduce the oxygen levels in the water, leading to negative impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms.
Control and Management:
- Due to its invasive nature, the control and management of Cabomba furcata are necessary to prevent its spread and minimize its impact.
- Control measures may include manual removal, use of herbicides, and biological control methods.
- Efforts are also made to prevent further introductions of Cabomba furcata through the regulation of the aquarium trade and the implementation of strict quarantine procedures.
Conclusion:
Cabomba furcata is an invasive species that has the potential to cause harm to native aquatic ecosystems. Its ability to outcompete native species and form dense mats can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem and negatively impact fish and other aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is important to implement control and management measures to prevent its spread and minimize its impact.