Invasive Species Impact

An invasive species of plant, the Purple Thorn, has been introduced into a local wetland ecosystem. This plant grows rapidly and has begun to dominate large areas, outcompeting native plant species for sunlight and nutrients from the soil. The native plants, such as the Blue Marshflower, are crucial for the diet of the local herbivorous waterfowl. With the spread of the Purple Thorn, there has been a noticeable decline in the population of these birds.

Explain how the introduction of the Purple Thorn has impacted the wetland ecosystem, particularly focusing on the waterfowl population.