What is the impact of invasive plant species on local landscapes?

Invasive plant species significantly impact local landscapes by outcompeting native plants, disrupting ecosystems, and altering habitat structures, which can lead to a decline in biodiversity. When invasive species are introduced to an area, they often thrive due to a lack of natural predators and competition. This allows them to proliferate rapidly, often at the expense of native species that have co-evolved within their ecosystems.

The outcompetition occurs because invasive plants may grow faster, reproduce more quickly, or be more resilient to environmental stresses compared to native flora. As a result, native plants may decline in number, affecting the local fauna that depend on them for shelter and food, leading to broader ecological consequences.

Additionally, the alteration of habitat structures can change the physical environment, such as soil composition and moisture levels, which can affect water cycles and soil health. These changes can further disrupt the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and other organisms within the ecosystem, resulting in a less stable and less resilient ecosystem overall.

Thus, the assertion that invasive species can outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems highlights their detrimental effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, making this the correct answer.