Which of the following impacts can invasive species have on native wildlife?

Prepare for the AICE Environmental Management Exam. Study with well-structured quizzes and insightful explanations on each question. Gear up for success!

Invasive species can significantly impact native wildlife through various mechanisms that disrupt ecological balance. One major impact is reducing habitat space, which occurs when invasive plants or animals outcompete native species for territory. For instance, invasives might alter vegetation structure, making it unsuitable for native species, leading to decreased living space and resources.

Additionally, invasive species often increase competition for food. When an invasive species enters an ecosystem, it may exploit the same food resources as native species or outcompete them for those resources due to different feeding strategies, higher reproductive rates, or greater adaptability to the environment. This competition can lead to decreased populations of native wildlife and could even lead to certain species becoming endangered or extinct.

Thus, the correct answer acknowledges both the reduction of habitat space and the increased competition for food as critical impacts that invasive species can have on native wildlife, highlighting the multifaceted challenges posed by these organisms in ecosystems.

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