Invasive species struggle to survive from "summary" of The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
In the absence of humans, the delicate balance of nature is left undisturbed. Invasive species, however, find themselves in a precarious position. These organisms, brought to foreign lands by human activity, now must fend for themselves without the aid of human intervention. Stripped of the resources and support they once relied on, invasive species struggle to adapt to their new environment. Invasive plants, for example, find themselves competing with native vegetation for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Without human hands to clear the way for them, these plants must fight for survival in a crowded ecosystem. Invasive animals face similar challenges, as they must now hunt for food without the help of human-provided sources. Without human intervention, invasive species also lack the advantages they once had in their new environment. For example, without human predators to keep their numbers in check, invasive species can quickly overrun an ecosystem. In the absence of human controls, these species may face a boom in population that ultimately leads to their downfall. Invasive species may also struggle to adapt to changes in their environment. Without human intervention to help them cope with shifting conditions, these organisms may find themselves unable to survive in a world that is constantly changing. Invasive species that once thrived in a human-altered landscape may now find themselves unable to compete in a natural ecosystem.- The absence of humans presents a significant challenge for invasive species. Stripped of the resources, support, and advantages they once had, these organisms must now fight for survival in a world that is no longer under human control. Whether they will be able to adapt to this new reality remains to be seen.
