Final answer:
Invasive species can drastically alter ecosystems, out-compete native species, introduce diseases, and affect human health. Their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function make prompt assessment and management essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impacts of Invasive Species at the Ecosystem Level
Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to new settings, can modify entire ecosystems and affect resident species. For example, the North American beavers introduced in Tierra del Fuego have transformed forests into meadows, while Australian paperbark trees in the Florida Everglades have converted prairies to forests. The introduction of the Nile perch to Lake Victoria is an example of how invasive species can out-compete native species and even cause extinction.
Aside from direct effects on ecosystems, invasive species often bring along parasites and diseases. This can have dire consequences for native species, as seen with the imported North American crayfish in Europe, which brought diseases that decimated native crayfish populations. Additionally, some invasive species can be vectors for human diseases, thereby increasing health concerns.
While the effects of invasive species such as Asian carp, kudzu vine, and zebra mussels vary contextually, they can lead to the loss of biodiversity and alter ecosystem structure and function. In light of these significant impacts, it is crucial to assess the presence and distribution of invasive species promptly for possible eradication or management strategies.