Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Professional Horticulturist Exam with comprehensive study material including multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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What is a major factor that makes non-native plants invasive?

  1. They bring diversity to the landscape

  2. They have few biological controls in their new habitat

  3. They are too often planted by horticulturists

  4. They grow aggressively in their native habitat

The correct answer is: They have few biological controls in their new habitat

A major factor that makes non-native plants invasive is that they often have few biological controls in their new habitat. In their native environments, these plants are typically kept in check by various natural predators, diseases, and competition from other plants. However, when transplanted to a new region, the absence of these biological controls allows them to thrive unchecked. This can lead to rapid growth and reproduction, often at the expense of native species, which may struggle to compete for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. The absence of their typical ecosystem balance empowers these non-native species to dominate and spread aggressively, causing significant ecological disruption. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing plant selection and landscape design to preserve native ecosystems and promote biodiversity.