What term describes the competition for resources faced by native organisms due to non-native species?

The term "invasive species" effectively describes the competition for resources that native organisms encounter when non-native species are introduced to an ecosystem. Invasive species are organisms that are not originally from a particular ecosystem and can disrupt the local environment. They often have traits that allow them to thrive in new habitats, such as rapid reproduction and a lack of natural predators, enabling them to outcompete native species for essential resources like food, space, and light.

When invasive species establish themselves, they can dramatically alter the dynamics of the ecosystem. Native species may struggle to survive as they compete against these newcomers, which can lead to decreased populations of native organisms, and in some cases, may result in local extinctions. This creates a significant impact on biodiversity and the overall health of the ecosystem.

Other concepts, such as overpopulation, pollution, and habitat loss, relate to environmental stressors but do not specifically illustrate the competitive dynamics initiated by the introduction of non-native species. Overpopulation typically refers to a situation where the number of individuals exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment, pollution encompasses harmful substances affecting the ecosystem, and habitat loss pertains to the destruction of natural environments that affects all species living there.