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3. What is an invasive species?

**What is an invasive species?**  An invasive species is an organism that causes**ecological or economic harm** in a new environment where it is **not native**. It appears that your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
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  VIDEO: What is an invasive species? Here's an overview in under two minutes. Transcript  Invasive species can harm both the natural resources in an  ecosystem as well as threaten human use of these resources. An invasive species  can be introduced to a new area via the ballast water of oceangoing ships,  intentional and accidental releases of aquaculture species, aquarium specimens  or bait, and other means. Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of  native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native  organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats. This can result in huge  economic impacts and fundamental disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes  ecosystems.  Video Transcript Invasive species are animals or plants from another region of the world that don’t belong in their new environment. They can be introduced to an area by ship ballast water, accidental release, and most often, by people. Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, destroy biodiversity, and permanently alter habitats.
 More **Information** National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Invasive and Exotic Species: NOAA Fisheries National Invasive Species Information Center (U.S. Department of Agriculture) National Invasive Species Awareness Week   Get **Social** Social
  **Last updated:** 01/18/24 **Author:** NOAA How to cite this article Contact Us


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