Question

Explain one problem that non-indigenous carp might cause for other organisms if the carp escaped from the ponds into nearby rivers.

Answer 1

Non-indigenous carp can outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decline or extinction of native fish populations and disrupting the balance of ecosystems, which has broader impacts on local economies and biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

One problem that non-indigenous carp might cause if they escaped into nearby rivers is they may outcompete native species for food and habitat. Voracious eaters and rapid reproducers, carp like the Silver and Black carp species, consume large amounts of plankton and other resources that native mussels, snails, and fish depend on. This reduction in resources can lead to a decline or potential extinction of native species. Additionally, the removal of aquatic plants by Grass carp alters nursery habitats, further impacting the survival of indigenous fish populations. With the carp constituting a significant portion of the river's biomass, native fish populations become threatened, and the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted, affecting local economies and ecosystems that depend on the diversity of native species.