Invasive species are organisms that harm a new environment in which they are not native. Many invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil are easily able to reproduce and can do so quickly. Because of this, limited space in a body of water or area of ​​land is quickly taken over by invasive species, so other native plants are at risk of death or even extinction. Overall, these invasive species can cause serious damage to an ecosystem or economy, causing destructive problems for numerous organisms. Eurasian milfoil or Myriophyllum spicatum is an invasive aquatic plant that can be found throughout the Chicago area and surrounding bodies of water. This plant can be an obstacle to swimming, boating and fishing due to its thick, tangled stems and mats of vegetation. According to Minnesota Sea Grant, Eurasian milfoil also overcrowds a body of water, leaving little room for plants native to the Great Lakes. One prediction is that if the Eurasian milfoil is not stopped, a reduction in biodiversity could occur in Chicago and surrounding areas. If this were to happen, the ecosystems of the Midwest region would be significantly negatively impacted. As reported by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), Eurasian water milfoil, native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, was most likely accidentally introduced into the United States through ballast water, which it is water from other places that is discharged into another body of water to help stabilize a ship. Aquatic species often become trapped in these ballast waters and are released with them into new and unfamiliar environments. This can lead to rapid growth of invasive species and can become a danger to other organisms that...... middle of paper ......oil.htmMilfoil Control. (n.d.). - Easily kill milfoil in your pond or lake. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.lakerestoration.com/t-milfoil-control.aspx Minnesota Sea Grant - Outreach - Exotic Species - Eurasian Watermilfoil: Fact Sheet. (2010, January 26). Minnesota Sea Grant - Awareness - Exotic Species - Eurasian Amylfoil: Fact Sheet. Retrieved May 15, 2014, from http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/eurasian.htmlPest Control Rx.com. (n.d.). “Pest Control Rx.com.” Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.pestcontrolrx.com/david_somlcom/2008/08/milfoil-5-best.htmlInvasion Simulation! Scientists examine overland transport of Eurasian milfoil. (2014, March 1). Aquatic Plant Management Society Inc. Retrieved May 15, 2014, from https://apms.org/2014/03/simusing-an-invasion-scientists-take-a-look-at-overland-transport-of-eurasian-watermilfoil/