All of the mentioned factors can contribute to an invasive species outcompeting a native species, but here are some key explanations for each point:
-
They eat the same food resources: If an invasive species competes with a native species for the same food resources, it can lead to decreased availability of food for the native species. This competition can result in the decline of the native species' population.
-
They have no predators, so they can spread rapidly: In their new environment, invasive species often lack natural predators that would normally keep their population in check. This absence allows them to reproduce and spread more quickly compared to native species, which may have predators and other checks on their population growth.
-
They are introduced by humans at high rates: Human activities, such as travel and trade, can facilitate the introduction of invasive species into new environments at rates that native species cannot counteract. This can lead to rapid establishment and dominance of invasive species over time.
-
They use the same shelter or space: Invasive species that require the same habitats or nesting sites as native species can outcompete them for these critical resources, leading to a decline or displacement of native populations.
In summary, these factors often interplay, allowing invasive species to outcompete native species by exploiting similar resources, spreading rapidly due to lack of constraints, and being introduced in ways that disrupt local ecosystems.