Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Invasive species can outcompete native species.

Statement-II: Invasive species are always harmful to ecosystems.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Example: The Water Hyacinth in Indian water bodies or the Lantana camara shrub.

Statement-II is Incorrect: While most invasive species discussed in ecology are harmful, the word "always" makes this statement scientifically inaccurate. In some specific or rare cases, an introduced species might provide a service, such as providing a new habitat or food source for a specific native animal, or helping in the restoration of a degraded site where native plants can no longer grow. Ecologists distinguish between "Non-native" (not from here) and "Invasive" (causing harm), but even among invasives, their impact can be nuanced or neutral in specific contexts.

Key Concepts for this Subject:

Biodiversity Loss: Invasive species are considered one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss.

Ecological Niche: Invasives often occupy the niche of native species, leading to local extinctions.

Biological Control: Using a natural enemy to manage an invasive species (which itself can sometimes go wrong).