Which statement correctly contrasts native and introduced plants?

• A. Native plants have historic origins in the area, while introduced plants come from elsewhere due to human activity.
• B. Native plants are always annuals, introduced are perennials.
• C. Introduced plants are never invasive.
• D. Native plants always require irrigation.

Answer: (C)

Origin and human involvement distinguish native from introduced plants. Native plants originate in the local area and have evolved with the local climate, soils, and organisms, so they’re typically well adapted to that environment. Introduced plants come from elsewhere and were brought here by people, either intentionally or accidentally. That difference in origin helps explain why introduced species can sometimes become invasive, outcompeting natives and altering the ecosystem. It’s not true that natives are always annuals or that introduced plants can never be invasive—both groups include a range of life cycles, and many introduced species are indeed invasive, while some natives are not. The simplest, most accurate contrast is where they come from and how human activity brought them to the area.