Which of the following describes a species not native to Minnesota that can negatively affect the environment?

The answer is B, invasive species. Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to a new environment, often due to human activity, and can thrive in their new habitats, typically at the expense of native species. These organisms can disrupt local ecosystems, out-compete native species for resources, introduce diseases, and alter habitats, leading to significant ecological consequences.

In Minnesota, invasive species such as the zebra mussel and the emerald ash borer demonstrate how non-native species can have detrimental impacts on both the environment and local economies. They not only displace native flora and fauna but can also cause damage to infrastructure and contribute to the decline of biodiversity.

Endangered species refer to native species that are at risk of extinction and do not inherently relate to the problems caused by species that are non-native. Protected species may include both native and non-native species that are given legal protection, but this status does not indicate a negative impact on the environment. Native species represent the organisms that evolved in Minnesota's ecosystems and generally exist in harmony with the local environment.