invasive species

noun phrase

1. A plant, animal, or other living organism introduced to a place where it is not native and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

   B2

   usually plural

   • "Invasive species can harm native plants and animals."B1
   • "The introduction of the zebra mussel in the Great Lakes has been a significant problem."B2
   • "The government is trying to control an invasive species that is spreading through local rivers."B2
   • "Invasive species often outcompete native organisms because they have few natural predators in their new environment."C1