Which of the following best describes invasive species?

Invasive species are defined as organisms that are non-native to a specific ecosystem and, when introduced, can cause significant harm to the native species and their habitats. These species often lack natural predators in the new environment, allowing them to reproduce rapidly and outcompete native species for resources such as food, space, and light. This disruption can lead to declines in native biodiversity, changes in ecosystem functions, and economic impacts due to changes in agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.

The other choices do not align with the concept of invasive species; beneficial species contribute positively to their ecosystems, controlled habitats suggest a lack of impact on native species, and extinct species are, by definition, no longer present to affect any current ecosystems. Thus, the definition of invasive species firmly supports the idea that they enter new ecosystems and inflict harm on the local fauna and flora.