Is the tamarisk beetle an invasive species? Read the following passage, and use the evidence provided to determine whether or not they would be classified as invasive. “Tamarisk trees were introduced to the U. S. as an ornamental shrub due to their pretty pink color and ability to provide erosion control. However, they were soon recognized as invasives due to their hoarding of light, water, and nutrients, drying out riparian areas. They also were outcompeting the plants that the Southwestern willow flycatcher nested in. As a result, the tamarisk beetle was introduced because they eat the tamarisk plant. They were extremely effective, except there was one caveat- the flycatcher birds had begun to use the tamarisk to nest in. So, protocols had to be adjusted to allow some tamarisk to remain; no beetles were released within 200 miles of any flycatcher nest, so the bird populations could continue to grow while the beetles continued to remove invasive tamarisk trees in other areas.”

(1 point)

Yes, the tamarisk beetle is invasive, because it is destroying Southwestern willow flycatcher habitat.

Yes, the tamarisk beetle is invasive, as it is not native to the United States.

No, the tamarisk beetle is not invasive, because it is only destroying the intended invasive plants.

No, the tamarisk beetle is not invasive, as they were purposefully introduced.