Invasive species

Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a specific location (an ecosystem) and that have a tendency to spread, which is believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy, or human health. One study pointed out that the number of invasive species in the world has risen 70% since 1970, an increase associated with trade globalization.

Characteristics

Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are primarily responsible for the introduction of invasive species, frequently unintentionally. People, for instance, often transport uninvited species while traveling, and ships can take aquatic organisms in their ballast water. Global warming and changes in geology, climate, or human disturbance, such as fire, can also contribute to the spread of invasive species.

Impact

Invasive species can change the functions of ecosystems. For example, invasive plants can alter fire regimes, nutrient cycling, hydrology, and energy budgets. Some invasive species may drive native species to extinction.

Control

Control and management of invasive species involves numerous policy and management decisions. Approaches can be prevention, early detection and rapid response, control and management, and long-term measures to restore ecosystems and habitats to a balance of species and ecosystem processes.

See also

• Introduced species
• Invasive species in the United States
• Invasive species in Australia
• List of invasive species

References

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