why do we classify lionfish populations near the eastern united states as an invasive species? what suggests that these new populations are not an expansion of the lionfish’s natural range? view available hint(s)for part a why do we classify lionfish populations near the eastern united states as an invasive species? what suggests that these new populations are not an expansion of the lionfish’s natural range? lionfish eat only a few specific types of algae that live in isolated regions of the pacific. if lionfish spread much beyond their native pacific home, they would have nothing to eat. lionfish are not good swimmers and have no other mechanisms to spread their populations over great distances. lionfish are native to cold waters near the tip of south america. they could not survive in the warmer waters between their native areas and the colder waters of the east coast of the united states. so, it is very unlikely that these south american populations naturally spread north. lionfish are native to the tropical pacific. there are no natural water routes of warm water between the pacific and atlantic oceans. part b based upon what we are learning about the lionfish diet, what is most likely going to happen to caribbean coral reefs invaded by lionfish? view available hint(s)for part b based upon what we are learning about the lionfish diet, what is most likely going to happen to caribbean coral reefs invaded by lionfish? lionfish diets are specific to just a few species of clams. these clams may go extinct in the coral reefs where lionfish have invaded. as lionfish stir up the bottom sediments searching for food, the water will be increasingly cloudy. cloudy water will hurt the growth of algae and corals growing in the reef. the alga populations growing on and near the reef will be greatly reduced, increasing the growth of corals. there will be fewer algae eating fish. more algae will grow over and damage corals. part c what characteristics of lionfish contribute to their ability to spread and become established i
