Question

(which word best completes the sentence?)if left unchecked, invasive species can have a ______ impact on native flora and fauna, disrupting the balance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.disreputabledoggeddeleteriousdeficient

Explanation:

The sentence describes the negative impact of invasive species on native ecosystems, specifically disrupting biodiversity. We analyze each option:

1. "Disreputable" means having a bad reputation, which does not fit a description of environmental impact.
2. "Dogged" means persistent, which is irrelevant to the context of ecological harm.
3. "Deleterious" means causing harm or damage, which matches the negative effect on native flora, fauna, and biodiversity.
4. "Deficient" means lacking in something necessary, which does not describe the impact of invasive species.

Answer:

deleterious