What are some of the ways that invasive species harm the physical environment?
Some invasive plants increase the severity and frequency of wildfires. Invasive aquatic species can alter nutrient availability and water quality. They can also interfere with the flow of water. Certain invasive plants withdraw water from deep in the soil and reduce the amount available for other uses. Others do not hold the soil well, making land more prone to erosion. Certain invasive plants alter the amount of nutrients in soils. Invasive earth worms decrease protective leaf litter cover. Nutria damage marshes that protect areas from hurricanes. Invasive crabs can dig networks of holes and weaken levees.
