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Invasive Species Getting Bad Rap: Scientists

Exotics can cause extinctions, but spur diversity, evolution, too

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Sep 9, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Invasive species don’t always spell disaster for native ecosystems and animal life, scientists say after a study of the process and its effects on New Zealand. More than 22,000 non-native plants have been introduced to the islands, the New York Times reports, and only three native species have been driven to extinction. “I hate the ‘exotics are evil’ bit, because it’s so unscientific,” one researcher says.

The study argues that the net impact of invaders is almost always positive, increasing diversity and spurring evolution. In fact, a third of today’s plants budded from natural hybridization. But critics say human-driven invasions are different: They are occurring at unprecedented rates, and with each transplant, threaten to “change the rules of existence.”

Quagga mussels, native to Ukraine, have had a negative impact upon their arrival in the US, helping trigger a chain reaction that has killed thousands of Great Lakes birds.
Quagga mussels, native to Ukraine, have had a negative impact upon their arrival in the US, helping trigger a chain reaction that has killed thousands of Great Lakes birds.   (KRT Photos)
California poppy is one of the plants foreign to New Zealand's thriving environment.
California poppy is one of the plants foreign to New Zealand's thriving environment.   (AP Photo)
The invasive Pride of Madeira coexists with New Zealand's native vine without harming it.
The invasive Pride of Madeira coexists with New Zealand's native vine without harming it.   ((c) hortulus)
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India discovers 29 new plant species
Hindustan Times

In Seattle, conservation groups battle invaders
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Green • World

 
environment • evolution • plants • New Zealand • invasive species

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