Invasive

Pronunciation
/in-VAY-siv/
Category
Ecology

Definition

Species that spread aggressively and cause harm to their new environment, often outcompeting native species.

Etymology

From Latin 'invadere', meaning 'to go into, attack, invade', from 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'vadere' meaning 'to go'.

Example

The invasive lionfish has decimated coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean.

Synonyms

  • Intrusive
  • Encroaching

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