Question 1 (2 points) Invasive species have been successfully controlled in most regions using viral or bacterial agents an ecological problem in North America since the first European colonists arrived hunted to extinction in most places where they occur successfully controlled by the introduction of other alien species that are natural predators.

1. We analyze each option to determine which statement best fits the facts about invasive species: - **Option 1:** "successfully controlled in most regions using viral or bacterial agents" This option is incorrect because invasive species often persist despite many control efforts, and the use of pathogens is not typically a widespread or fully successful approach. - **Option 2:** "an ecological problem in North America since the first European colonists arrived" This option is accurate. Invasive species have indeed been an ecological problem since they were inadvertently or deliberately introduced by European colonists. - **Option 3:** "hunted to extinction in most places where they occur" This option is not true because invasive species are rarely hunted to extinction; they often prove difficult to eradicate. - **Option 4:** "successfully controlled by the introduction of other alien species that are natural predators" This is also incorrect. Introducing alien predators as a control method has typically led to unintended ecological consequences rather than successful control. 2. Therefore, the correct statement is: \[ \text{Invasive species have been an ecological problem in North America since the first European colonists arrived.} \]