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. destructive marine overly common

Explanation:

The passage describes the silver - carp as harmful to the environment and illegal to import/export without a permit. "Pernicious" means having a harmful effect, and "destructive" is the closest in meaning among the options.

Answer:

A. destructive