Invasive species are plants or animals that come from one place and move to a new area where they don’t belong. When they get there, they can cause problems for the local wildlife. Here’s how they do it:
Fighting for Resources: Invasive species often take over the food, water, and living spaces that local species need. For example, the zebra mussel, which comes from Europe, has caused a lot of harm in North America's lakes and rivers. It cleans up algae that native animals need to survive, which leaves them hungry and without enough resources.
Eating Native Wildlife: Some invasive species hunt and eat native animals, which can lead to those animals disappearing. A good example is the brown tree snake in Guam. This snake has caused many local birds to decline or even go extinct because they don’t have any defenses against it.
Spreading Diseases: Invasive species can also bring new illnesses that local wildlife has never faced before. For instance, the chytrid fungus came to many places through the pet trade and has harmed frog populations all over the world.
In short, invasive species can harm the natural balance of an area. This shows how important it is to protect local wildlife and make sure native plants and animals can thrive.
Invasive species are plants or animals that come from one place and move to a new area where they don’t belong. When they get there, they can cause problems for the local wildlife. Here’s how they do it:
Fighting for Resources: Invasive species often take over the food, water, and living spaces that local species need. For example, the zebra mussel, which comes from Europe, has caused a lot of harm in North America's lakes and rivers. It cleans up algae that native animals need to survive, which leaves them hungry and without enough resources.
Eating Native Wildlife: Some invasive species hunt and eat native animals, which can lead to those animals disappearing. A good example is the brown tree snake in Guam. This snake has caused many local birds to decline or even go extinct because they don’t have any defenses against it.
Spreading Diseases: Invasive species can also bring new illnesses that local wildlife has never faced before. For instance, the chytrid fungus came to many places through the pet trade and has harmed frog populations all over the world.
In short, invasive species can harm the natural balance of an area. This shows how important it is to protect local wildlife and make sure native plants and animals can thrive.