What is the effect of invasive species on native ecosystems?

Invasive species significantly impact native ecosystems primarily by outcompeting native species for essential resources such as food, habitat, and space. When invasive species are introduced to an area, they often thrive due to a lack of natural predators or controls that would normally keep their populations in check. As a result, these invasive species can quickly proliferate and dominate certain resources, making it difficult for native species to survive and thrive.

This competition can lead to a decline in native species populations, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Native species may struggle to compete with the fast-growing and often more adaptive invasive species, leading to reduced biodiversity as native plants and animals are displaced. The overall health of the ecosystem can decline, as each species plays a specific role in maintaining ecological balance.

While some may speculate that invasive species could enhance biodiversity or improve habitats, the overwhelming evidence suggests that their introduction typically leads to negative outcomes for native flora and fauna and the ecosystem overall. Similarly, the idea that they have a neutral impact does not hold true in most scenarios, as invasive species are generally known to create significant challenges within ecosystems they invade.