Invasive Species
Ecosystem restoration
non-native species can also help preserve the ecosystem by restoring degraded land.
Manual control
As the name suggests, this method involves the use of manual activities, such as digging, and smothering.
Hybridization
Breeding between two different species creates hybridization.
Outcompeting native species
Competition among non-native species leads to displacement of the native species.
Diseases
Certain invasive species carry diseases or pests.
Climate change
Climate change can alter the population and distribution of various species in a habitat.
Loss of forest resources
Forest products affected by invasive species cost approximately $4.2 billion in damage annually.
Alterations in food webs
Invasive species generally grow fast and consume resources used by native species.
What benefit did the invasive species called Japanese white eye bring to the ie ie vine?
It helped in pollination.
Diseases 2
Many invasive species are harmful to human health.
Damage to property
Many invasive species cause severe damage to human property.
Food
Many native species, including humans, feed on non-native species. For instance, the Himalayan blackberry produces berries that are consumed by wild animals as well as people.
Habitat
Many non-native species provide habitats for native species.
Preying
One of the most negative impacts of invasive species is that some may feed on native species.
Monitoring
Prevention is better than cure.
Pollination
Seed pollination is necessary for plant growth.
Damage to maritime commerce
Some alien species are destroying fishing industries in new environments.
Changing environmental conditions
Some invasive species can change the environmental conditions in which they thrive.
Accidental escape
Some plant species are cultivated for ornamental purposes, while some animals are bred as pets.
Intentional release
Some species are intentionally released in an ecosystem.
Unintentional release
Some species may be unintentionally transported by ships.
Accidental transport
Sometimes, vehicles that transport commodities like crops, seafood, or wood are carriers of invasive species.
Cut-stump treatment
The cut-stump treatment involves applying pesticide to the outer layers of cut stems.
Control of Invasive Species
There are three main methods used for control of invasive species -- biological, mechanical, and chemical. Biological control is the intentional manipulation of natural enemies by humans for the purpose of controlling pests. Mechanical control includes mowing, hoeing, cultivation, and hand pulling. Chemical control is the use of herbicides.
Digging
This involves removing the plants from their roots. This prevents the plants from sprouting back. This method is suitable for small plants.
Prescribed fire
This method controls invasive plants by burning them.
Basal bark
This method involves applying herbicide to the bottom of the stem.
Biological control
This method involves introducing another species into the invaded environment.
Girdling
This method involves the removal of one entire strap of a target tree.
Smothering
This method involves the use of black plastic or other such materials to cover an invasive species for one growing season.
Chemical control
This method involves using chemical pesticides, such as herbicides or insecticides.
Mechanical control
This method involves using machines to control or destroy an invasive species.
Foliar spray
This method requires the application of pesticides directly to the leaves of the affected plants.
Mowing
This prevents the flowering of invasive plants.
Bundle and cut
This process involves cutting and bundling the stems, and then applying herbicide to the cut areas.
Loss of biodiversity
When invasive species alter the food chain, it results in a loss of biodiversity.
Pesticides are selected based on the target species, growth stage, and _________ conditions prevalent in a region.
environmental
Beneficial Invaders
go beyond agriculturally important species.
Impact on Humans
includes changes to biophysical environments
How does the salt cedar tree affect the soil?
increases soil salinity
Invasive species
introduced into new environments in various ways.