What impact do invasive species have on native species concerning speciation?

Invasive species can have significant impacts on native species, particularly related to speciation processes. One major effect of invasive species is the potential for reproductive isolation of native species. When an invasive species competes for resources, mates, or habitats, it can lead to changes in behavior or adaptations in native species. For example, native species may evolve to avoid competition or hybridization with the invasive species, leading to differentiation and potentially speciation over time.

Invasive species may also alter habitats and ecosystems, placing stress on native populations. As native species adapt to new pressures and possibly evolve new traits to survive without interbreeding with the invasive species, reproductive isolation can be reinforced. This process can ultimately lead to the emergence of new species as native populations diverge from each other in response to the challenges posed by the invaders. Thus, the correct answer highlights a crucial aspect of how invasive species can drive the process of speciation through mechanisms such as reproductive isolation.