Invasive species

Definition

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause significant harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health. These species often outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and can lead to the decline or extinction of local populations. The impact of invasive species is exacerbated by climate change, as shifting conditions can facilitate their spread and establishment in new habitats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Invasive species can thrive in new environments because they often lack natural predators that control their populations in their native habitats.
2. Climate change can alter the distribution of invasive species by changing temperature and precipitation patterns, allowing them to invade new areas more easily.
3. The economic cost of managing invasive species and their impacts can be significant, with billions of dollars spent annually on control efforts and damage mitigation.
4. Some invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems so severely that they cause cascading effects, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
5. Invasive species can also carry diseases that may affect native wildlife and even humans, further complicating their impact on ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How do invasive species affect local ecosystems and the native species within them?
  • Invasive species negatively affect local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources like food and habitat. They often reproduce rapidly and can dominate ecological niches, leading to a decline in native populations. This competition can result in reduced biodiversity as native species struggle to survive, which ultimately disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.
• What role does climate change play in the spread of invasive species, and how might this impact ecosystem health?
  • Climate change plays a critical role in the spread of invasive species by altering habitats and environmental conditions that may favor their growth. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can create more favorable conditions for invasive species to thrive in areas where they were previously unable to survive. This shift can lead to increased competition with native species, further threatening ecosystem health and stability.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem services in light of ongoing climate change.
  • The long-term implications of invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem services are concerning, especially with ongoing climate change. As invasive species continue to establish themselves in new environments, they can cause permanent changes to ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and altering essential ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and soil fertility. The loss of native species not only affects ecological balance but also compromises human reliance on these natural services, leading to broader economic and social challenges.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which includes the number of different species as well as genetic diversity within those species.

Ecosystem services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Climate resilience: The ability of an ecosystem or community to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, including the introduction of invasive species.