What potential impact can invasive pest species have on native ecosystems?

Invasive pest species can significantly outcompete native species for resources such as food, habitat, and sunlight, leading to a decline or even extinction of local organisms. When an invasive species is introduced to a new environment, it often lacks natural predators that would normally control its population in its native habitat, allowing it to proliferate unchecked. This process can disrupt the local food web and alter the dynamics of existing ecosystems.

As invasive species establish themselves, they often thrive under conditions where native species may struggle, leading to a reduction in biodiversity. The resulting decline in native species can have cascading effects on the ecosystem, including alterations to the structure and function of habitats, reduced resilience to environmental changes, and a loss of ecosystem services that native species provide.

In contrast, increasing biodiversity and improving ecosystem stability are typically associated with native species thriving in their environments, not invasive ones. Additionally, the assertion that invasive species have no significant impact is inaccurate given the extensive research demonstrating their disruptive influence on native ecosystems. Therefore, the potential for invasive species to outcompete native species is a primary concern in Integrated Pest Management.