Why are nonnative species a threat to biodiversity?

Question

They often use up resources that other organisms need.
They are not able to successfully breed in the wild.
They release pollution into many environments.
They easily contract and spread diseases to other organisms.

Answer 1

Nonnative species pose a threat to biodiversity primarily because they often use up resources that other organisms need. When nonnative species are introduced to an ecosystem, they can compete with native species for food, space, and other resources, often leading to declines or extinctions of native species. This competition can disrupt local ecosystems, alter food webs, and decrease overall biodiversity.

While nonnative species can also bring other challenges, such as spreading diseases or pollution, their primary impact usually stems from resource competition and predation.