Invasive Species and Its effect on Bio Diversity

Invasive Species and It’s effect on Bio Diversity • Every animal species has a native habitat. On occasion, humans relocate a species, either through carelessness or with the intent of benefiting human beings, the species itself, and/or a new environment

Invasive Species Defined • 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and • 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health* *http: //www. invasivespecies. gov/

Bio Diversity Defined • 1) Bio diversity is the variety of life and its processes. • 2) It can be considered the fabric of life ––thousands of individual threads woven into a complex tapestry across the landscape. * *Oregon Bio Diversity Project

Why is bio diversity important to conserve? • Bio diversity is central to our quality of life. It supports natural resource industries that produce commodities such as fiber, fuel, food, and medicine, as well as recreational uses. * *Oregon Bio Diversity Project

SPECIES EXTINCTION • Species can become extinct: – Locally: A species is no longer found in an area it once inhabited but is still found elsewhere in the world. – Ecologically: Occurs when so few members of a species are left they no longer play its ecological role. – Globally (biologically): Species is no longer found on the earth.

Global Extinction • Some animals have become prematurely extinct because of human activities.

Endangered and Threatened Species: Ecological Smoke Alarms • Endangered species: so few individual survivors that it could soon become extinct. • Threatened species: still abundant in its natural range but is likely to become endangered in the near future.

Characteristics of Successful Invader Species • High reproductive rate, short generation time (r-selected species) • Pioneer species • Long lived Characteristics of Ecosystems Vulnerable to Invader Species • Climate similar to habitat of invader • Absence of predators on invading species • Early successional systems • High dispersal rate • Release growth-inhibiting chemicals into soil • Low diversity of native species • Absence of fire • Generalists • High genetic variability • Disturbed by human activities

Brazilian elodea • Introduced: From Pet Stores / Aquarium • Threat: Displaces aquatic vegetation. • Origin: South American

Zebra Mussel • Introduced: 1980’s Lake St Clair. Ballast Water of a boat. • Threat: Develop on anything a choke out native habitat & Organisms. • Origin: Russia