are humans invasive species

Humans are often debated as to whether they qualify as an invasive species. According to common definitions, an invasive species is a non-native organism introduced into new habitats where it spreads widely and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Humans are widespread across all continents, but they are not considered non-native since Homo sapiens originated on Earth and colonized every continent by about 15,000 years ago. Humans move themselves rather than being introduced by an external entity and are therefore native rather than invasive by strict definitions. However, it is widely recognized that humans have caused extensive environmental harm, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption, which are effects typical of invasive species. Some scientists view humans as the most destructive invasive species due to their impact on ecosystems globally, while others distinguish humans as a native species exerting unprecedented influence through culture and technology rather than invasion per se. In summary, humans do not fit the traditional biological definition of an invasive species because they are native to Earth and self-dispersing, but their environmental impact is similar to or exceeds that of invasive species, leading some perspectives to label humans as an "ultimate invasive species" in terms of ecological effect.