How do invasive species impact coral ecosystems?

Invasive species can significantly disrupt coral ecosystems by outcompeting native species for essential resources such as space, light, and nutrients. When an invasive species is introduced to a coral environment, it often does not have natural predators or controls that would regulate its population, allowing it to proliferate rapidly. This competitive advantage can lead to the decline of native species, which have evolved to thrive in that specific environment. The loss of biodiversity can weaken ecosystem resilience, decrease chemical diversity, and ultimately jeopardize the overall health of the coral reef system. This dynamic illustrates the pressing challenges that reef systems face due to biodiversity loss and the critical importance of preserving native species to maintain ecological balance.