If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. An invasive species is a species occurring, as a result of human activities, beyond its accepted normal distribution and which threatens valued environmental, agricultural or other social resources by the damage it causes. These unwelcome plants disrupt the ecology of natural ecosystems by displacing native plants and the animal species that depend upon them, reducing native biodiversity. Using the graph below, calculate the average temperature change between 1975 and 2000. Herbivory on native plants. Invasive non-native plant species (also called alien, introduced, or exotic) grow quickly and aggressively. So the other plants die and and then the animals who eat those plants die too and so on. They can harm the environment, the economy, or even human health. Invasive alien species harm native species through predation, as is the case of feral cats killing smaller creatures. Invasive species are among the leading threats to native wildlife. But non-native species also contribute to regional biodiversity (species richness and biotic interactions) and ecosystem services. Invasive species also have the potential to disrupt vital ecosystem functions, such as water flow, nutrient cycling, fire systems, or soil composition. Wherever an invasive plant is growing is where a native plant should be. The term as most often used applies to introduced species that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically. Impact of an Invasive Species Nile perch were introduced to Lake Victoria in the 1950s to boost the fishing industry. Cats have been introduced to approximately 180 000 islands worldwide, and have a significant impact - in Britain alone, cats … How do Invasive Species affect an ecosystem? The term as most often used applies to introduced species that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically. False. "Invasive species"—they may not sound very threatening, but these invaders, large and small, have devastating effects on wildlife. To … Currently, the contributions of these species to biodiversity and ecosystem services are overlooked. Given the difficulties associated with the control or eradication of these problem species, invasive non‐native species should be prevented from establishing in the wild and increasing in numbers. Humans bring a species from one continent or island to another frequently — sometimes intentionally and on other occasions by accident.