How do invasive species affect wetland ecosystems?

Invasive species have significant impacts on wetland ecosystems primarily because they can outcompete native plants, disrupt the intricate food webs, and alter the natural hydrology of these environments. When invasive species are introduced, they often lack natural predators, allowing them to proliferate and overshadow native species that are essential to the ecosystem's health. This competition can lead to a decline in native plant populations, reducing biodiversity and altering the composition of the habitat.

Furthermore, invasive species can disrupt established food webs, as they may alter the availability of resources for herbivores and higher trophic levels, ultimately affecting the entire community structure. By changing how water flows through an ecosystem, invasive species can impact water quality and availability, which are crucial for the survival of both plant and animal species within wetlands.

This multifaceted disruption showcases how invasive species can fundamentally alter the dynamics of wetland ecosystems, making it clear why this choice accurately reflects the consequences of their presence.