What happens to ecosystems when AIS become dominant?

When aquatic invasive species (AIS) become dominant in an ecosystem, they can significantly disrupt the balance of that ecosystem, often leading to habitat destruction and a loss of native biodiversity. AIS can outcompete native species for resources such as nutrients, light, and space, which can result in the decline or extinction of those native species.

In addition, AIS may change the physical structure of the habitat, making it less suitable for the native species that originally inhabited the area. They can create conditions that favor their own growth, further exacerbating the problem and making it more difficult for native flora and fauna to recover. This dominance disrupts complex food webs and associated ecological relationships, leading to a decline in biodiversity overall. Understanding the impacts of AIS is crucial for effective management strategies aimed at preserving native ecosystems.