2 Invasive Species and Biodiversity

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What is an invasive species?

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An invasive species is a non-native organism that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.

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How do invasive species affect biodiversity?

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Invasive species can reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to declines or extinctions of native populations.

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What is one key characteristic of most invasive species?

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Most invasive species produce many offspring, allowing them to spread quickly in new environments.

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What happens to native species when invasive species increase in number?

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Native species often face decreased food availability and competition for resources, which can lead to population declines.

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Why do non-native plants threaten native plants?

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Non-native plants compete with native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, often leading to the decline of native species.

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What is the impact of a blue catfish on smaller fish populations?

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If a blue catfish eats large fish that prey on smaller fish, the population of smaller fish will likely increase due to reduced predation.

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What is one way invasive species can alter ecosystems?

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Invasive species can change the food web dynamics by introducing new predators or competitors, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.

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What role do invasive species play in the food chain?

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Invasive species can become top predators or dominant competitors, altering the natural food chain and affecting all levels of the ecosystem.

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How can invasive species affect human activities?

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Invasive species can impact agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, leading to economic losses and increased management costs.

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What is a common method of controlling invasive species?

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Common methods include physical removal, chemical treatments, and introducing natural predators.