What is an invasive species and what problems do the pose to the native ecosystem?
1 answer
An invasive species is a non-native organism that has been introduced to an ecosystem and has a negative impact on the ecosystem's natural balance. These species often have no natural predators or competitors in the new environment, which allows them to reproduce and grow at a rapid pace, outcompeting native species for resources such as food and habitat. This can cause a decline in native species and even lead to their extinction. Invasive species can disrupt important ecological interactions and alter natural processes, causing significant harm to the environment and the economy. They may also carry diseases or parasites that can infect or kill native species, further upsetting the balance of the ecosystem.