Trees don't just benefit the wildlife we share space with, but native trees can actually help us, humans too. Many insects, birds, and animals depend on native trees for food and shelter. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions were they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. As far as adaptation, the trees and plants are already adapted to the environment and they have a well established role in the food web and the recycling of materials. Native plant communities also create habitats necessary for wildlife and essential for sustaining biodiversity and resilient landscapes. As the foundation of healthy functioning ecosystems, native plant communities buffer the impacts of extreme weather events such as severe flooding and prolonged drought. Invasive tree species cause extinction of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats. Invasive species can cause native species to go extinct by out-competing them for food, water , and space. They also introduce them to new diseases.