Invasive Species Biotic Pollution Introduced Species Aka l

Invasive Species Biotic Pollution

Introduced Species ¡ Aka l ¡ Deliberate ¡ Accidental ¡ Exotic pet trade Non-native l Invasive l Exotic

Some Deliberately Introduced Species Can Disrupt Ecosystems � Most ◦ ◦ species introductions are beneficial Food Shelter Medicine Aesthetic enjoyment � Nonnative ◦ ◦ species may have no natural Predators Competitors Parasites Pathogens

Some Harmful Nonnative Species in the United States

Deliberately Introduced Species Purple loosestrife European starling African honeybee (“Killer bee”) Marine toad Water hyacinth (Giant toad) Japanese beetle Nutria Hydrilla Salt cedar (Tamarisk) European wild boar (Feral pig) Fig. 9 -14 a, p. 199

7100 harmful invasive species introduced into the US Fig. 9 -14 b, p. 199

Some Accidentally Introduced Species Can Also Disrupt Ecosystems �Argentina fire ant: 1930 s ◦ Pesticide spraying in 1950 s and 1960 s worsened conditions �Burmese python –imported as a pet from Southeast Asia. Dumped in the Everglades. By 2100 in most of southern US

Argentina Fire Ant Accidentally Introduced into Mobile, Alabama, U. S.

Case Study: The Kudzu Vine �Imported from Japan in the 1930 s �“ The vine that ate the South” – might spread as far as the Great Lakes by 2040 if climate change (global warming) occurs �Could there be benefits of kudzu? – source of food, for making paper

Kudzu Taking Over an Abandoned House in Mississippi, U. S.

Characteristics of Invader Species and Ecosystems Vulnerable to Invading Species

Prevention Is the Best Way to Reduce Threats from Invasive Species �Prevent �Learn them from becoming established the characteristics of the species �Set up research programs �Try to find natural ways to control them

What Can You Do to Control Invasive Species ?

Characteristics of Invasives • High reproductive rate, short generation time (r-selected species) • Pioneer species • Long lived • High dispersal rate • Release growth-inhibiting chemicals into soil • Generalists • High genetic variability