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Invasive species are widespread non-indigenous species. The introduction of these non-indigenous species can be accidental or intentional. It can be damaging to the local ecosystem as invasive species compete resources with local species. Most of the time the non-native species cannot survive in the new environment and died out. However, there is a chance that they managed to survive and no natural predator in the new environment. This can wipe out local species as the population of the invasive species increases, thus negatively affecting biodiversity.

Scientists propose several mechanisms to explain invasive species, including species-based mechanisms and ecosystem-based mechanisms. It is most likely a combination of several mechanisms that cause an invasive situation to occur, since most introduced plants, biotic and animals do not become invasive.