Which of the following is a consequence of the introduction of invasive species?

The introduction of invasive species often disrupts local ecosystems, leading to a decrease in native species populations. Invasive species typically outcompete native species for resources such as food, habitat, and light. Their rapid growth, reproduction rates, and lack of natural predators in the new environment allow them to dominate over native species, often resulting in declines or even extinction of those native species. This disruption can significantly alter the ecological balance and impact the overall health of the environment.

In contrast, other choices—such as increased biodiversity, stabilization of ecosystems, and improvement in local economies—are often not the outcomes associated with invasive species. Biodiversity typically suffers due to invasive species, as they tend to reduce the variety of native organisms. Ecosystem stability is often compromised, leading to further ecological imbalances. While some invasive species might bring short-term economic benefits, the long-term environmental costs often outweigh these advantages, as ecosystems become less resilient and diverse.