Final answer:
The zebra mussel is an invasive species from Eastern Europe that has significantly impacted North American freshwater ecosystems due to its rapid reproduction and lack of predators.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of an invasive species is the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which has impacted freshwater ecosystems in North America. These mussels originate from Eastern Europe and were brought to the Great Lakes in the 1980s through ballast water from ships. Zebra mussels succeed in new environments because they reproduce quickly, have no natural predators, and can attach to various surfaces, allowing them to outcompete native species for food and space. Consequently, they have caused ecological and economic harm by altering habitats, clogging water intake pipes, and disrupting the food web.