Invasive Species

The invasive species are harmful for native systems and time and money should be invested to prevent these species from spreading and damaging systems that they are not native to. Strict rules for environmental obedience are necessary and good. Much more needs to be done to protect our planets and its biodiversity from the invasion of alien species. When non-native species from other ecosystems are introduced, they can upset that balance and bring harm to the established plants and animals, and the whole ecosystem. Non-native species come from somewhere else and they are not natural to the ecosystem they have been introduced to. They may be harmless and beneficial in their natural surroundings, but they can totally devastate different environments. Established ecosystems have developed their own natural balance and controls over time, and the plants and animals within those systems find this balance suitable for survival, or they have been able to adapt in order to survive within those conditions. When alien species enter into an ecosystem, they can disrupt the natural balance, reduce biodiversity, degrade habitats, alter native genetic diversity, and further jeopardize endangered plants and animals. When there are no established natural controls, such as predators to keep the non-native harmful species in check, there can be a population explosion of the invasive non-native species causing an ecological disaster.

The biodiversity of our environment is constantly reduced from invasive species. Decorative exotic plants, flowers and trees, or animals that are brought into an ecosystem may increase the diversity of species locally; but, then the introduced species can take over, crowd out or kill the native indigenous species, and in some cases cause extinctions of particular species of plants and animals. Therefore, the species became extinct and the biodiversity of our planet is further reduced. When natural habitat or food supply is destroyed, by alien species or from other circumstances, animals have to leave to find shelter and food in an ecosystem that will sustain them. Some native animals cannot leave. Without proper habitat and food supplies, they die. Great amount or damage can occur from an insect species that bores holes in trees, or weeds that take over, or zebra mussels that clog up water systems, like in the great lakes. There are many species that are not native to an area, which can be very dangerous and cause harm and even death to humans and ecosystems. A non-native species could be something that brings disease to an area or to people through introduced bacteria or viruses, or possibly a plant that would crossbreed with other plants and cause major changes to plant life and the organisms that feed on them. Many humans want to design their own ecosystems to fit their needs. They bring in ornamental flowering trees, non-native fish, specialty seeds, and unusual animals. This can wreak havoc on the natural species and the established habitat. Invasive species may be as harmless looking as green plants or a frog. They don't have to be vicious looking to bring harm to an area. They may even be attractive to look at. This could have a detrimental effect on native species if bees or other pollinators