Meaning & use
invasive species
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Meaning
nouncountablebiologytechnical
A plant, animal, or other organism that is not native to an area, spreads quickly, and causes harm.
Grammar: The plural is also 'invasive species' (not 'specieses'). It can be used for one or many: an invasive species, several invasive species.
Patterns
- an invasive species
- invasive species spread
- control invasive species
The zebra mussel is an invasive species that has damaged many lakes.
Invasive species can outcompete native plants for sunlight and water.
Scientists are trying to control the invasive species before it reaches the river.
Common combinations
- invasive species management
- The park has a team dedicated to invasive species management.
- spread of invasive species
- Global trade has accelerated the spread of invasive species.
- native species
- Native species often struggle when an invasive species arrives.
Synonyms and how they differ
- alien species
- A species that is not native, but it may not cause harm; 'invasive' specifically implies harm.
- non-native species
- Simply means not originally from the area; not all non-native species are invasive.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: invasive species or non-native species?
invasive species vs non-native species
A non-native species is simply not from the area, but it may be harmless; an invasive species causes measurable harm.
Practice
Which phrase best describes a plant that is not native, spreads fast, and harms the local ecosystem?
Choose one answer.
An invasive species is non-native, spreads quickly, and causes harm. A native species belongs there, an endangered species is at risk of extinction, and a keystone species has a large effect on its ecosystem but is not necessarily harmful.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “invasive species”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.