What is a significant impact of introduced species on ecosystems?

Introduced species can significantly disrupt natural food chains in ecosystems. This disruption occurs when non-native species compete with native species for resources such as food, habitat, and water. Often, introduced species can thrive in their new environments because they may lack natural predators or diseases that would normally keep their populations in check in their native habitats. This can lead to an overabundance of the introduced species, which can outcompete, decrease, or even eliminate native species.

As native species are diminished, the existing food web is altered. Predators may lose their primary prey, while herbivores may face new competition or predation pressures. This alteration can cascade through the ecosystem, affecting everything from the smallest organisms to top-level predators. Overall, the introduction of non-native species can lead to a loss of biodiversity, imbalance of ecosystem functions, and can even lead to the extinction of indigenous species that are unable to adapt to the competitive pressures posed by introduced species.