What is a potential consequence of introducing a new pest into an ecosystem?

Introducing a new pest into an ecosystem can lead to the possible extinction of local plant species due to several mechanisms of disruption. Pests often compete for resources, such as nutrients, space, and light, which can harm native flora. In addition, they may have specialized feeding behaviors that target specific plants, weakening those populations, inhibiting their growth, or even causing direct mortality. This shift can create an imbalance in the local ecosystem, where native species struggle to survive against the introduced pest. Such disruptions can lead to a decline in plant diversity, which can further affect the animals and other organisms that rely on those plants for food, habitat, or other ecological roles. This cascading effect highlights the significant risk posed by the introduction of non-native species, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystem components.