Question

which invasive species was transported by boats and barges up the mississippi river and has affected lakes and streams across north america causing genetic pollution? ground squirrels largemouth bass zebra mussels

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Ground squirrels are terrestrial and not transported by boats/barges in waterways like the Mississippi River.
• Largemouth bass is a native or managed species in many areas, not typically an invasive species causing genetic pollution via boat transport up the Mississippi.
• Zebra mussels are known invasive species transported by boats/barges (via ballast water or hull fouling) up the Mississippi River, spreading to lakes/streams across North America and causing genetic pollution by outcompeting native species and altering ecosystems.

Answer:

C. zebra mussels (Note: Assuming the options are labeled with C for the third option; if the original options had labels like A, B, C with A: ground squirrels, B: largemouth bass, C: zebra mussels, then the answer is C. zebra mussels)