How do invasive species impact native species through toxicological means?
Invasive species can impact native species through direct and indirect toxicological interactions. Direct interactions involve the production of toxins that can poison or otherwise harm native species. For example, invasive plants may produce allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants. Indirect interactions may include altering food web dynamics, where invasive species become new predators or competitors, leading to shifts in the population dynamics of native species. These changes can result in a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
