Question

To protect against introduced species, some states have laws preventing ocean-going ships from dumping ballast water in harbors or ports. What does this indicate about introduced species?

A. Many can live a long time without food.
B. Many are transported in ballast water.
C. Many are fish that live in salty ocean water.
D. Many are native to freshwater harbors.

Answer 1

B is the best option

Answer 2

Answer: B. Many are transported in ballast water.

Explanation: Ballast water is the water that ships take in order to keep their weight when they discharge materials on ports. As this water is taken without any filter, ships take also a lot of organisms (animals, plants, microorganisms or viruses). This water is then released in other ports liberating all the organisms contained which can affect the equilibrium of the new area reducing local populations or affecting human life by diseases.