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. They often outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and can alter habitats, leading to declines in biodiversity. Understanding the impact of invasive species is essential for managing ecosystems, conserving native wildlife, and ensuring ecological balance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Invasive species often lack natural predators in their new environments, allowing them to reproduce rapidly and dominate ecosystems.
2. They can cause economic damage by affecting industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism through their impact on local resources.
3. In aquatic systems, invasive species can alter nutrient cycling and disrupt the food web by preying on or competing with native species.
4. Management strategies for invasive species can include physical removal, chemical treatments, and public education to prevent further introductions.
5. Climate change can exacerbate the spread of invasive species by altering habitats and allowing them to expand into new areas where they were previously limited.

Review Questions

• How do invasive species impact lake zonation and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems?
  • Invasive species can severely disrupt lake zonation by outcompeting native aquatic plants and animals for resources such as light, space, and nutrients. This leads to changes in the composition of the ecosystem, which can affect water quality and habitat availability for native organisms. The dominance of invasive species can reduce biodiversity and alter food webs, ultimately threatening the ecological balance within the lake.
• Discuss how invasive molluscs contribute to changes in biodiversity within freshwater ecosystems.
  • Invasive molluscs can significantly alter biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems by competing with native mollusc populations for food and habitat. They may also introduce new diseases or parasites that can negatively impact local wildlife. This competition can lead to a decline in native mollusc diversity, which plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem health.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of invasive species on biodiversity conservation efforts in various habitats.
  • The presence of invasive species poses substantial challenges to biodiversity conservation efforts across different habitats. They not only threaten native species through competition and predation but can also lead to habitat degradation and altered ecosystem functions. Conservation strategies must account for the impacts of invasives and include measures for prevention, control, and restoration. The long-term success of biodiversity conservation hinges on effectively managing invasive populations while promoting the recovery of native species and habitats.

Related terms

Native Species: Species that naturally occur in a particular ecosystem and have adapted to the local environment over time.

Ecosystem Disruption: The alteration of natural processes within an ecosystem, often caused by invasive species, leading to negative impacts on biodiversity and habitat stability.

Biological Control: A method of controlling invasive species through the use of natural predators, parasites, or diseases to reduce their population and impact.