Ecosystems and Economics Questions

Ecosystems and Economics Questions

BIO280

Ecosystems and Economics Questions

1. Explain how an invasive species can disrupt an ecosystem.

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Invasive species can have a large impact on the disruption of an ecosystem. A number of invasive plants and animal species have been severe world-wide agents of habitat alteration and degradation, and competition for native species. They are the major cause of biological diversity loss throughout the world, and are considered "biological pollutants." Their populations can often rapidly increase allowing them to disrupt native plant communities and crowd out native species. By changing habitat, they can also affect species beyond those they may directly displace. They can cause problems for those who use natural resources, whether for recreational use of land or waters or industrial use of public waters. Once established, invasive species rarely can be eliminated. There are many characteristics of invasive species. The more a species may possess, the more it is likely to be widespread and troublesome. Productivity, Dispersal, Growth period or seasonal advantages, and lack of natural controls are all issues with invasive species.

Dukes, J., & Mooney, H. (2004). Disruption of ecosystem processes in western north america. Retrieved from http://globalecology.stanford.edu/DGE/Dukes/Dukes&Mooney2004.pdf

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* 2. Provide a specific example of an invasive species that has caused problems to an ecosystem.

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* Invasive species have caused many issues to ecosystems all over the world. One ecosystem in particular that has suffered significantly is the Great Lakes ecosystem. The changes have caused broad economic and social effects on people that rely on the system for food, water, and recreation. At least 25 non-native species of fish have entered the Great Lakes since the 1800s, including round goby, sea lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, alewife, and others. These fish have had significant impacts on the...