An invasive species is a plant, fungus, or animal species that is not native to a specific location and which has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health.

While all species compete to survive, invasive species appear to have specific traits or specific combinations of traits that allow them to outcompete native species. In some cases, the competition is about rates of growth and reproduction. In other cases, species interact with each other more directly.

Common invasive species traits include the following:

• Fast growth
• Rapid reproduction
• High dispersal ability
• Phenotypic plasticity  (the ability to alter growth form to suit current conditions)
• Tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions
  
• Ability to live off of a wide range of food types

Invasive species can change the functions of ecosystems. For example, invasive plants can alter the fire regimen, nutrient cycling, and hydrologyin native ecosystems. Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species. Harmful effects of hybridization have led to a decline and even extinction of native species.

Biotic invasion is considered one of the five top drivers for global biodiversity loss and is increasing because of tourism and globalization.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species