Invasive species

Definition

Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced to a new environment and cause harm to the local ecosystem, economy, or human health. These species can outcompete native flora and fauna, disrupt food webs, and alter habitats, leading to significant ecological consequences. The introduction of invasive species can result from human activities, whether intentional or accidental, and often poses serious challenges to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Invasive species can drastically alter riparian and wetland ecosystems by outcompeting native plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.
2. Many traditional food sources for Indigenous Peoples are threatened by invasive species, as these newcomers can disrupt the natural habitats where these foods grow or reproduce.
3. The Columbian Exchange significantly contributed to the spread of invasive species as plants, animals, and pathogens were transported between the Old World and the New World.
4. Invasive species can lead to economic costs through impacts on fisheries, agriculture, and tourism due to their negative effects on native species and habitats.
5. Controlling invasive species often requires significant resources and efforts in restoration ecology to re-establish native ecosystems that have been disrupted.

Review Questions

• How do invasive species specifically impact riparian and wetland ecosystems?
  • Invasive species significantly disrupt riparian and wetland ecosystems by outcompeting native plants that are crucial for maintaining the balance of these habitats. They often take over vital resources such as nutrients and light, which native plants need to survive. This competition can lead to decreased biodiversity as native species decline or disappear, further weakening the ecosystem's resilience against other environmental changes.
• In what ways do invasive species threaten traditional food sources for Indigenous Peoples?
  • Invasive species threaten traditional food sources for Indigenous Peoples by altering the natural habitats where culturally significant plants and animals thrive. For example, invasive plants can choke out native crops or forage plants that Indigenous communities rely on for sustenance. Additionally, invasive predators may directly threaten native wildlife populations that are integral to traditional diets, thus disrupting age-old practices of hunting and gathering.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Columbian Exchange in relation to the spread of invasive species and its impact on ecosystems.
  • The Columbian Exchange played a critical role in the spread of invasive species by facilitating the movement of organisms across continents. This exchange led to the introduction of numerous non-native plants and animals into new ecosystems, often resulting in detrimental effects on local biodiversity. The imbalance caused by invasive species can result in altered food webs and reduced resilience of ecosystems, highlighting the complex relationship between human activity and ecological health in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Related terms

Ecosystem services: The benefits that natural ecosystems provide to humans, including clean water, pollination of crops, and carbon sequestration.

Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in a given habitat or ecosystem, which is essential for maintaining ecological balance and resilience.

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