Invasive Species and Their Management

Flashcards summarizing key concepts regarding invasive species, their characteristics, ecological influences, and management strategies.

What is an invasive species?

A species that is non-native to a specific location and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health.

What is an example of an invasive shrub?

Privet (Ligustrum) is an example of an invasive shrub.

What determines the successful passage through the filters in the invasion process?

Successful passage is determined by propagule pressure, characteristics of the invasive species, and characteristics of the invaded ecosystem.

What is propagule pressure?

The quantity, quality, and frequency of arriving organisms of an invasive species.

How does low propagule pressure affect colonizing populations?

It results in small colonizing populations that are more likely to go extinct.

What traits make a species more likely to become invasive?

Traits often include high growth rate, high reproductive output, high dispersal ability, parthenogenetic or hermaphroditic reproduction, and broad physiological tolerance.

What does the exponential model of population growth assume?

It assumes there are no limits to population growth.

What is the logistic growth model?

A model that assumes there are limits to population growth, represented by an environmental carrying capacity (K).

What is the difference between r-selected and k-selected species?

r-selected species maximize population growth with traits like small size and early maturity, while k-selected species maximize survival with traits like large size and late maturity.

What ecosystem characteristics favor invasion?

Abiotic characteristics (climate, soil) and biotic interactions (species richness and trophic structure) must be suitable for the invading species.

What does the biotic resistance hypothesis suggest?

It suggests that more species-rich communities may be less likely to be invaded because native species utilize all resources.

What is one example of how disturbance favors invasion?

Disturbance creates new habitats and resources, often resulting in bare substrates that can be colonized by invasive plants.

What are the two main aspects of management for invasive species?

Control of established invasive species and prevention of invasion before they establish.

What are some types of control measures for invasive species?

Control measures include physical (mechanical) methods, chemical treatments, and biological control.

What is biological control?

The release of predators, parasites, or pathogens to control invasive species.

What are limitations of controlling invasive species?

Control can be very costly, seldom eradicates invasives completely, and may affect non-target native species.

What is one method for preventing invasions?

Identifying potentially invasive species based on characteristics of known invasives and regulating importation.