Question

what is the meaning of the word pernicious as used in the passage? although the silver carp was originally imported into the united states in 1973 to help with plankton control, this fish is now considered harmful to the environment because it competes with other species that feed on plankton. the department of agriculture has made it illegal to import or export this pernicious animal without a permit. overly common marine destructive

Explanation:

The passage describes the silver - carp as harmful to the environment and illegal to import/export without a permit. The word "pernicious" is used to emphasize its negative impact, which is best matched by "destructive".

Answer:

C. destructive