How do invasive plants typically impact local ecosystems?

Invasive plants often have a significant negative impact on local ecosystems because they can outcompete native species for essential resources such as sunlight, nutrients, and water. These invasive species frequently grow faster, reproduce more quickly, and can thrive in a variety of conditions, which allows them to dominate a habitat. As they establish themselves, they tend to alter the structure and functionality of the ecosystem, leading to reduced biodiversity. Native plants, which have evolved to fit within specific ecological niches, may struggle to survive when faced with these aggressive invaders, resulting in a decline in native flora and the wildlife that depend on those native plants for food and habitat. This dynamic illustrates the crucial role that native species play in maintaining balanced ecosystems, which invasive species can disrupt.