What defines a terrestrial invasive species?

A terrestrial invasive species is defined as a non-native plant that negatively impacts local ecosystems. This definition is rooted in the broader understanding of invasive species, which are organisms that are introduced to a new area, often through human activity, and that establish, spread, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

This definition emphasizes that the key characteristic of these plants is their non-native status; they do not belong to the local ecosystem and can disrupt it by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and affecting biodiversity. Terrestrial invasive species can displace native plants, which may lead to a decline in native wildlife that depend on those species for food and habitat.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the definition of terrestrial invasive species. For instance, plants that thrive in aquatic environments or those that are only harmful to humans do not necessarily qualify as terrestrial invasive species. Additionally, the idea of plants being beneficial to nearby wildlife contradicts the concept of invasiveness, as invasive species typically disrupt local ecosystems instead of contributing positively to them.