Invasive Species 101 | National Geographic

National Geographic・2 minutes read

Invasive species are a major threat to ecosystems, causing damage and outcompeting native wildlife. Preventive measures like cleaning boats and planting native species can help reduce their impact on the environment and economy.

Insights

  • Invasive species, like the zebra mussel, can severely disrupt ecosystems and infrastructure, necessitating proactive measures like cleaning boats and planting native species to curb their impact.
  • Implementing preventive strategies such as cleaning boats and avoiding the release of exotic pets into the wild is essential in preventing invasive species from causing extensive damage to ecosystems, human health, and the global economy.

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Recent questions

  • What are invasive species?

    Non-native organisms introduced through human activity.

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Summary

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Invasive Species Threaten Ecosystems and Economy

  • Invasive species, non-native organisms introduced through human activity, pose a significant threat to ecosystems, competing with native wildlife and causing extensive damage. For instance, the zebra mussel, a notorious invasive species in the United States, clogs pipes and overtakes beaches in the Great Lakes, impacting the local environment.
  • To combat the spread of invasive species, preventive measures such as cleaning boats before transferring between water bodies, refraining from releasing exotic pets into the wild, and planting gardens with native species are crucial. These actions can help mitigate the detrimental effects of invasive organisms on human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure, ultimately preventing costly damages to the global economy.
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