Exotic species, also known as invasive species or non-native species, are plants, animals, or microorganisms that are introduced to an ecosystem outside their natural range. These species can cause significant disruptions to the native species and ecosystems they invade.

One example of an exotic species that disturbs native species is the Burmese python in the Florida Everglades. Originally from Southeast Asia, these large constrictor snakes were likely introduced as escaped or released pets. The absence of natural predators and an abundance of prey in the Everglades allowed the python population to explode. They have since become a major predator, preying on a wide range of native species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. The presence of the python has caused a decline in the populations of several native species, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem.

Another example is the zebra mussel, a small freshwater mollusk native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia. Zebra mussels were unintentionally introduced to North America in the 1980s through ballast water discharged by ships. They have rapidly spread across various water bodies, including the Great Lakes. Zebra mussels are filter feeders that consume large amounts of plankton, which are an essential food source for native fish and other aquatic organisms. Their excessive filtering disrupts the natural food chain and can lead to declines in native fish populations. Additionally, zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces, such as pipes and boat hulls, causing infrastructure damage and economic losses.

These examples illustrate how exotic species can disturb native species in several ways. They can outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and shelter, leading to a decline in native populations. Exotic species can also introduce new diseases, parasites, or predators that the native species are not adapted to, further impacting their survival. Additionally, the absence of natural predators or regulatory mechanisms in the new ecosystem can allow exotic species to thrive and reproduce rapidly, altering the balance of the ecosystem. Overall, the introduction of exotic species can have detrimental effects on the biodiversity and ecological functioning of an ecosystem.