How do invasive species negatively impact biodiversity?

Invasive species negatively impact biodiversity primarily by modifying habitats and competing for resources. When an invasive species is introduced to a new ecosystem, it can alter the physical environment, disrupt existing food webs, and change the availability of essential resources such as food, water, and shelter. These changes can lead to a decrease in the populations of native species, as they may struggle to compete against the invasive species for these critical resources.

Invasive species often reproduce rapidly and thrive in their new environments due to the lack of natural predators or controls that would normally regulate their populations in their native habitats. This unchecked growth can directly impact native species by outcompeting them for food and space, ultimately leading to declines or even extinctions. Furthermore, invasive species can introduce diseases and parasites to which native species have no immunity, further complicating the dynamics of the ecosystem.

The other options do not accurately reflect the negative impacts of invasive species. Genetic diversity is important for resilience in species populations, but invasive species typically reduce this diversity rather than affecting it positively. Ecological services, such as pollination or water filtration, are generally provided by native species, and invasive species often disrupt these functions rather than enhance them. Finally, enhancing native species populations is contrary to how invasive species operate