How do invasive species primarily affect native ecosystems?

Invasive species significantly impact native ecosystems primarily by outcompeting native species for essential resources such as food, habitat, and space. When an invasive species enters a new ecosystem, it often lacks natural predators or controls that would normally regulate its population in its native environment. This allows the invasive species to proliferate rapidly.

As the invasive species establishes itself, it can dominate the available resources, leading to a decline in the populations of native species that rely on those same resources. This competition can result in reduced diversity within the ecosystem, as native species may struggle to survive or adapt to the new competitive pressures. Consequently, the overall health and balance of the ecosystem can be compromised, leading to a loss of biodiversity and altering ecological interactions.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for effective conservation and management strategies aimed at protecting native ecosystems from the impacts of invasive species.