Conservation Biology - Unit 10 Invasive Species & Disease

Flashcards on Invasive Species and Diseases based on lecture notes.

Habitat Destruction

1 threat to imperiled species, affecting 85% of them.

Alien Species

2 threat to imperiled species, affecting 49%.

Overexploitation

A significant threat particularly for reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Pollution

#2 threat for aquatic species, especially fishes & mussels.

Disease

Affects birds more than other groups of species.

Stephen’s Island Wren

A bird endemic to Stephen’s Island in New Zealand, allegedly wiped out by a single cat.

Exotic species

Species established outside of their native ranges due to human activities; synonymous with introduced, nonnative, nonindigenous, and alien species.

Naturalized species

Alien species, introduced by humans, that are now reproducing naturally without causing any harm

Invasive species

Exotic species that are increasing in number and distribution at the expense of native species or ecosystems.

Dispersal

A natural process where species have continually shifting ranges.

Cattle Egret

An example of a species that dispersed naturally and greatly expanded its range.

Native Invasive species

Includes native species increasing in number and distribution at the expense of other native species and ecosystems.

Tens Rule

1 in 10 transported species escapes, 1 in 10 escaped species becomes established, and 1 in 10 established species becomes invasive.

Invasion curve

Illustrates the stages of invasive species management, from pre-arrival to long-term control.

Characteristics of successful invasive species

High reproductive rates, generalist habits, good dispersal abilities, pioneer species adaptations, absence of native predators or pathogens.

Vulnerable Ecosystem Characteristics

Includes low diversity of native species, absence of native predators and pathogens, human-disturbed habitats, and disrupted fire regimes.

Island Vulnerability

Islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to open niches and island species potentially being poorer competitors

Sources of Spread

Includes agriculture, accidental spread, biological control agents, deliberate introductions, and escape of captive species.

Norway Rat

Spread to all continents except Antarctica, a good commensal but very destructive.

European Rabbits

Brought for hunting in Australia, they exploded in population due to absence of native predators and pathogens.

Zebra Mussels

Accidentally came to North America in ballast water of ships.

Rainbow Trout

Widely introduced as sport fish, but compete with native trout and hybridize with other trout species.

Fire Ants

Introduced to North America from South America, they outcompete native insects.

Formosan Termites

Introduced to New Orleans from Asia, it causes great economic damage.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Introduced from Japan, infests and kills Eastern Hemlocks.

Emerald Ash Borer

Introduced to the Detroit area, kills native ash trees.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Introduced from Asia, major pests on fruits & vegetables.

Spotted Lanternfly

Native to Asia, appeared in Berks Co., PA, and has spread.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Introduced by the U.S.D.A. as a biological control agent.

Zebra Mussels

Introduced to the Great Lakes from ballast water, causing significant management costs.

Asian Jumping Worm

Invasive earthworm in the northeastern U.S. having profound effects on ecosystems

Hammerhead Worm (Bipalium)

Introduced platyhelminth from Asia, aggressive predator on earthworms.

Cane Toads

Native to Central & South America, introduced widely and are invasive in some areas, including Australia.

Burmese Pythons

Released pets in southern Florida, major predators on mammals in the Everglades.

Pigeons

Introduced from Europe, good human commensals causing agricultural damage and spreading disease.

European Starling

Introduced because a man wanted to introduce all the birds Shakespeare wrote about in his plays to America, it causes crop damage, spreads disease, and outcompetes native species.

Feral Pigs

Descendants of escaped livestock, destroying native species and habitats.

Japanese Barberry

Displaces native plants and reduces wildlife habitat.

Japanese Knotweed

Introduced as an ornamental plant, forms dense growths in riparian areas.

Mile-a-minute Weed

Herbaceous vine from Asia, stem covered with sharp barbs that spreads rapidly.