What negative impact do invasive species have on native ecosystems?

Invasive species have a significant negative impact on native ecosystems primarily by outcompeting native species for resources such as food, space, and other essential factors necessary for survival. These non-native species often thrive in new environments due to their lack of natural predators or diseases that would normally keep their populations in check. As a result, invasive species can proliferate rapidly, leading to a decline in the population of native species as they struggle to compete. This competition can lead to a reduction in biodiversity, as native species may face extinction or be driven to less favorable habitats. By dominating resources, invasive species disrupt the balance of ecosystems and can alter habitat structures, making it difficult for native species to recover.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of invasive species. For instance, increasing biodiversity contradicts the nature of invasive species, as they typically reduce native species diversity. Enhancing nutrient cycling is another positive outcome that is not associated with invasive species; instead, they can disrupt existing nutrient cycles. Lastly, while ecosystems may sometimes stabilize in the presence of invasive species, this stability often comes at a cost to native species and overall ecosystem health.