Fill in the Blanks AMC MAY U13Online version AMC MAY U13 by Clara Chen 1 fight labeled explosion organisms reproduces comprised cultivation destructive intend opt multiplied invasive resources You may have heard the phrase " breeding like rabbits " before , but in Taiwan , " breeding like iguanas " might be more apt . The main island has experienced an in wild green iguana populations ? since 2015 , their numbers have 27 times over . Though harmless individually , in their current numbers they're endangering local plants and other animals competing for the same food . Officials are working to curb their numbers , but these lizards are just one example of an invasive species , which can have effects on ecosystems . What makes a species " invasive " ? The species in question isn't endemic to the local environment , but adapts remarkably well , quickly , and spreads aggressively through others' habitats . Species that do this with the potential to cause harm are invasive . They can be any living thing from insects to reptiles to even plants and fungi . Once these species grow in number , they consume so many that they endanger the lives of local species . The way that non - native arrive in other ecosystems is mainly through human activity . As people travel , we often bring other living things with us , whether we to do so or not . Ships might ferry aquatic species or small land animals across the sea , and some plants imported for in enclosed gardens can escape and become wild . As for Taiwan's green iguanas , officials presume the original wild generation was of pets released by irresponsible owners . Managing the numbers of species is an uphill battle , but it's one we all can help with . Be cautious with which plants you grow , and for native species over exotic ones . Learn about invasive species in your area , and report any sightings to a local land manager . If we're responsible for the choices we make , we can help to off invaders in our ecosystems .
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