Final answer:
Invasive species are damaging to an ecosystem because they lack natural predators or competitors in the new environment, leading to rapid reproduction and spread. They outcompete native species for resources, alter the ecosystem's physical structure, and disrupt natural processes. This results in a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Invasive species are so damaging to an ecosystem because they do not have natural predators or competitors in the new environment. This allows them to reproduce and spread rapidly, outcompeting native species for resources such as food and habitat. As a result, native species may decline or even become extinct. The invasive species can also alter the physical structure of the ecosystem and disrupt its natural processes, leading to a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Learn more about Impact of invasive species on ecosystems