The threat of invasive species - Jennifer Klos

Recent questions

• What are invasive species and how do they disrupt ecosystems?

  Invasive species are non-native organisms that disrupt ecosystems by lacking natural predators and different limiting factors compared to their native habitats. This disruption occurs as they upset the balance of limiting factors like climate, food availability, and predator-prey relationships, leading to overpopulation and resource competition within the ecosystem.

• Why do healthy ecosystems rely on limiting factors?

  Healthy ecosystems rely on limiting factors such as climate, food availability, and predator-prey relationships to maintain balance. These factors help regulate population sizes, ensure resource availability, and prevent any one species from dominating the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.

• What is the primary cause of introducing invasive species?

  Human activities, intentional or unintentional, are the primary cause of introducing invasive species to new habitats. These activities include the transportation of plants and animals, either for agricultural purposes, as pets, or through accidental means, which can lead to the unintentional introduction of invasive species to new environments.

• How do governments address the issue of invasive species?

  Governments address the issue of invasive species by monitoring and regulating the transportation of plants and animals to prevent further ecological disruptions. By implementing policies and measures to control the introduction of non-native species, governments aim to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity from the negative impacts of invasive species.

• What are examples of invasive species disrupting ecosystems?

  Examples of invasive species disrupting ecosystems include the kudzu vine in the southern United States, Burmese pythons in Florida, and European rabbits in Australia. These species have caused ecological imbalances by outcompeting native species, altering habitats, and disrupting the natural equilibrium of the ecosystems they invade.