Final answer:
Funding for recovery programs is primarily allocated to endangered species to support their conservation and protect them from threats such as invasive species, which can disrupt native ecosystems and lead to higher costs in the long term. the correct option is c) Endangered .
Step-by-step explanation:
Funding for recovery programs:
Funding for recovery programs is generally provided to species that are c) Endangered. These programs aim to prevent species from becoming extinct by supporting their recovery and conservation.
In the case of invasive species such as the purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), they pose a significant threat to native ecosystems by altering ecological balances.
Direct management such as the removal of invasive species can be costly, and the longer it is delayed, the higher the expense. The control measures for invasive species, which may include herbicides, mechanical removal, or biological control, often need to be repeated at regular intervals to manage the invasive populations effectively. This shows the ongoing nature of the work needed to protect endangered species from the threats posed by non-native, invasive organisms.