Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of invasive species?

Invasive species are defined as non-native organisms that establish themselves in a new environment, often leading to significant ecological disruption. One key characteristic of invasive species is their ability to thrive in new environments, which allows them to grow and reproduce rapidly. They often possess advantageous traits that enable them to outcompete native species for resources like food and habitat, further exacerbating their impact on local ecosystems.

Additionally, invasive species are known to cause substantial ecological damage. They can disrupt the balance of existing ecosystems, leading to declining populations of native species and altering habitat structures. This ecological disruption can have cascading effects throughout the food web.

The assertion that invasive species often have predators in their new locations is misleading. While some invasive species may encounter natural predators after introduction, it is more common for them to initially lack effective control from local predators, which gives them a competitive edge over native species. Thus, the presence of predators is not a defining characteristic of invasive species; instead, their success typically stems from a lack of natural enemies in their new environment.