Which of the following is a characteristic of invasive species?

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to environments where they are not native, and they often have the potential to disrupt local ecosystems significantly. One of the hallmark characteristics of invasive species is their ability to thrive in new environments, frequently outcompeting native species for resources such as food, habitat, and light. This can lead to reduced biodiversity as native species struggle to survive, and some may even go extinct as a result of this competition.

Invasive species can alter the physical environment, changing the structure of habitats and affecting nutrient cycling, which in turn impacts all organisms within an ecosystem. The harmful effects can also extend to economic impacts in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, as these species can disrupt local industries reliant on native species.

The other options suggest attributes that do not accurately represent the harmful nature of invasive species. For instance, asserting that they are always beneficial to habitats or that they stabilize populations misrepresents their effect on the environment. Invasive species disrupt rather than enhance the balance of ecosystems. Therefore, the idea that they cause minimal disruption is also incorrect, as their introduction typically leads to significant ecological changes that can have wide-reaching consequences.