Biological Control and Invasive Species

Flashcards on biological control, invasive species, and related concepts.

Biological Control

An alternative to using pesticides that involves using other organisms (biological control agents) to reduce the numbers of pests.

Biological Control Agents

Organisms used to reduce the number of pests as a form of biological control

Biological Control Advantages

Safer alternative to pesticides, less pollution, no chemical residue on food, no passing of chemicals along food chains, and often no need to repeat the treatment.

Aphids

Pests that eat roses and vegetables.

Ladybirds

Aphid predators used in biological control.

Parasites

Organisms, such as some wasps and flies, that produce larvae which develop on or in a host insect, eventually killing it.

Invasive Species

Any species introduced into an area where it doesn't naturally occur and causes problems for local wildlife.

Alien Species

Non-native species that are introduced to an area.

Invasive Species Problems

Grow faster than native species, upset the natural ecosystem, out-compete native species for resources, and may carry diseases that kill native species.

Cane Toads

[Invasive Species] Introduced to Australia as biological control agents to eat beetles, but are now a major pest because they poison native species.

Japanese Knotweed

Introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant, but quickly takes over areas, preventing other plants from growing, reducing biodiversity.

Signal Crayfish

Introduced to the UK for food, but they prey on and out-compete many native river species and carry a disease that kills native crayfish.

Research Before Introducing Biological Control Agents

Scientists spend time researching the agent and conducting trials to:

1. assess its effect on targeted and non-targeted native species.

2. Understand and know best how to control it so it doesn’t become invasive