What role do invasive species commonly play in an ecosystem?

Invasive species commonly disrupt ecosystems by causing economic or environmental harm. These species are often introduced to new areas where they lack natural predators, allowing them to proliferate and outcompete native species for resources such as food, space, and light. This can lead to significant declines in biodiversity, as native plants and animals may be driven out or even face extinction.

Additionally, invasive species can alter habitat structures and nutrient cycling, causing further ecological imbalances. For instance, they may change the composition of soil by over-consuming particular nutrients or by introducing pathogens that affect local flora and fauna. This cascade effect can harm agricultural systems and threaten local economies that rely on biodiversity for tourism or other resources.

In contrast, options suggesting that invasive species enhance biodiversity, establish beneficial relationships, or stabilize soil composition overlook the detrimental impacts these organisms typically have when they invade new environments. Such assumptions do not consider the overwhelming evidence of the damage caused by invasives across various ecosystems.