Rats engage in resource competition due to their voracious appetite and adaptability. With an innate drive to feed and reproduce, they seek out various food sources, including grains, fruits, and leftovers. Their rapid breeding and ability to thrive in diverse environments lead to population booms. As rats multiply, they intensify the scramble for limited food, creating a scenario where these rodents fiercely compete for every morsel. This competition then ripples through the ecosystem, affecting other wildlife reliant on these shared resources.

Rats exert a notable impact on vegetation as their populations expand. Their foraging behavior encompasses gnawing on plant parts, including stems, leaves, and even roots. This incessant nibbling can impede the growth of various plants, affecting their overall health and vitality. Additionally, rats often target seeds and fruits, curbing the reproductive capacity of plants and hindering the natural process of regeneration. As a consequence, the intricate balance of the ecosystem can be disrupted, leading to potential declines in plant species diversity and altering the dynamics of the environment.

Rats have the capacity to displace other species within their ecosystem. Their adaptable nature and ability to thrive in different habitats grant them a competitive edge. As rat populations surge, they may outcompete native species for resources such as food, shelter, and nesting sites. This can lead to a decline in the abundance of these native species, potentially endangering their survival. Rats' aggressive foraging behavior and prolific breeding can create an ecological imbalance, altering the composition and interactions of the local fauna.