Invasive species threaten native ecosystems in several ways:
-
Competition for resources: Invasive species often outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to a decline in native species populations.
-
Predation and predation: Invasive species may prey on native species or disrupt the natural predator-prey relationships in an ecosystem, causing imbalances in the food chain.
-
Disease transmission: Invasive species can introduce new diseases or parasites to native species that may not have immunity, leading to population declines or extinctions.
-
Habitat alteration: Invasive species can alter the physical structure of an ecosystem by changing the vegetation composition or soil properties, which can impact the ability of native species to survive.
Overall, invasive species can have significant negative impacts on native ecosystems by disrupting the delicate balance of species interactions and biodiversity.