Invasive species

Definition

Invasive species are organisms that are non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. They disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and affecting biodiversity. This disruption can have cascading effects, impacting ecosystem services and leading to biodiversity loss.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Invasive species can outcompete native species for food and habitat, leading to declines in native populations and even extinction.
2. They often reproduce rapidly due to a lack of natural predators in their new environment, allowing them to spread quickly.
3. Aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes and wetlands, are particularly vulnerable to invasions, as species like zebra mussels can dramatically alter water quality and ecosystem dynamics.
4. Invasive species can cause significant economic costs, including damage to fisheries, agriculture, and infrastructure.
5. Efforts to manage invasive species often include prevention measures, public education campaigns, and restoration of native habitats.

Review Questions

• How do invasive species affect the balance of ecosystems they invade?
  • Invasive species disrupt the balance of ecosystems by outcompeting native species for vital resources such as food, light, and space. This competition can lead to a decline in native populations and the alteration of habitat structures. For example, when invasive plants dominate an area, they can change soil chemistry and reduce the light available for other plants, creating a feedback loop that further diminishes biodiversity.
• Evaluate the economic implications of invasive species on local communities and industries.
  • The economic implications of invasive species can be severe for local communities and industries. For instance, invasive fish species may disrupt local fisheries by outcompeting native fish for food and habitat. This can lead to decreased fish populations that are vital for local economies. Additionally, invasive plants can choke waterways, increasing costs for water management systems. Invasive species management often requires substantial financial investments in prevention, monitoring, and control efforts.
• Discuss the long-term ecological consequences of failing to control invasive species populations within critical habitats.
  • Failing to control invasive species populations can lead to significant long-term ecological consequences within critical habitats. As invasive species thrive unchecked, they can drastically reduce the abundance and diversity of native flora and fauna, resulting in altered ecosystem dynamics. This loss of biodiversity impacts essential ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Over time, the ecological integrity of these habitats may deteriorate irreversibly, making restoration efforts increasingly difficult and costly.

Related terms

Native species: Species that originate and are naturally found in a particular ecosystem or region.

Ecosystem services: The benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, including clean water, pollination, and carbon storage.

Biological control: A method of managing invasive species by using natural predators or competitors to reduce their populations.