What can prevent aquatic plants from being noxious in their natural habitat?

Natural predators and competitive plants play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. When native predators, such as certain fish or invertebrates, thrive in the environment, they help control the populations of aquatic plants that may become invasive or noxious. Additionally, the presence of competitive plants can limit the growth and spread of any single species by competing for resources such as light, nutrients, and space. This natural regulation helps to maintain biodiversity and a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

In contrast, overdevelopment of the habitat can lead to disturbances that favor certain plant species, while the absence of nutrients might not necessarily control the growth of noxious plants, as some can thrive in low-nutrient conditions. Flooding can temporarily alter the environment but does not consistently prevent harmful plant growth. Thus, the natural ecosystem dynamics, including predators and competition, are essential for preventing certain aquatic plants from becoming noxious.