IntroductionGlobalization has successfully increased the amount of trade, transportation and tourism around the world; however, it also facilitates the introduction and spread of non-native species. These alien species are interlopers that are not native to a particular ecosystem. Successful alien species become invasive by outcompeting native organisms for food and habitat, causing damage to the local ecosystem. Invasive species are believed to be a major threat to native wildlife. They also negatively affect people's health and the economy that supports the ecosystem. Many countries have invasive species problems, including but not limited to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, and Brazil. The problem of invasive species is urgent because the economic and environmental impacts are serious. Causes of Invasive Species There is a common misconception that invasive species must come from another country. In fact, an invasive species does not necessarily have to be “foreign”. For example, lake trout, native to the Great Lakes, are considered an invasive species in Yellowstone Lake due to their threat to native cutthroat trout. Normally, an ecosystem has many checks and balances that limit the population growth of a particular species. The correct number of carnivores, herbivores, parasites and bacteria together creates a complicated but balanced web of life. Each species in this network must fight for its own food source, living space and survival. However, with the introduction of non-native species, the checks and balances are broken. In many cases, there is no predator in the invaded ecosystem that can prevent the expansion of alien species. Therefore, they… in the center of the card… g Kudzu with naturally occurring mushrooms”. July 20, 2009. ScienceDaily. 05 May 2014. “Economic and ecological impacts of invasive species”. Colorado State University-National Wildlife Research Center. May 5, 2014. “Asian carp threat to the Great Lakes.” National Wildlife Federation. May 05, 2014. “Welcome to InvasiveSpecies.gov!” National Invasive Species Council.05 May 2014.“Addressing the Problem.” Convention on Biological Diversity. May 5, 2014. http://www.cbd.int/idb/2009/about/action/default.shtml“Solutions for Invasive Species.” MIT Mission 2015. 05 May 2014.