What effect do invasive species have on biodiversity?

Invasive species lead to biodiversity loss primarily because they often outcompete, prey on, or otherwise harm native species within an ecosystem. When an invasive species is introduced to a new habitat, it can disrupt the ecological balance by taking advantage of resources that native species have evolved to exploit. This can result in native populations declining or even going extinct, thereby reducing the overall diversity of plant and animal life in that area.

Invasive species can alter habitats and change the dynamics of interactions among species. For instance, if an invasive plant species rapidly grows and establishes itself, it can overshadow native plants, limiting their access to sunlight and nutrients. This prevents native species from thriving and can diminish the variety of life forms present in that ecosystem.

Additionally, invasive species may introduce diseases or parasites that native species are not equipped to handle, further threatening their survival. Over time, these processes can lead to a significant decline in biodiversity, making ecosystems less resilient to changes and more vulnerable to other environmental stresses.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for conservation efforts aimed at protecting native biodiversity, as maintaining healthy ecosystems is essential for overall ecological balance and function.