What are introduced plants?

Introduced plants are those species that have been intentionally or unintentionally brought to an area outside their native range, in this case, outside North America. This introduction can occur through various means such as trade, agriculture, horticulture, or even accidentally through shipping and travel. These plants can adapt to the new environment and sometimes become invasive, competing with native species for resources and altering ecosystems.

The essence of introduced plants lies in their origin; they come from different geographical locations and are not naturally found in the areas where they are introduced. This is important in ecology and conservation, as understanding the impact of these plants on local habitats and native flora is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

In contrast, the other choices describe different characteristics that do not align with the definition of introduced plants. For example, plants that thrive only in North America are, by definition, native to the continent, while genetically modified plants pertain to alterations at the molecular level, which may or may not involve introduction from different regions. Lastly, the classification of plants that only grow in urban areas does not speak to their origin but rather their habitat preference, which is separate from the concept of being introduced.