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Flashcards in The Impact of Invasive Species Deck (3)
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1
Q

How can invasive species be introduced?

A
  • Colonisation - bring organisms to recreate their previous home
  • Horticulture botanic gardens
  • Accidental transportation - polynesian rat, ballast on ships - North Pacific Sea Star, Chickens from China spread Avian Pox - led to extinction of some native Hawaiian species
  • Deliberate introduction - Cane toad added to deter sugar cane pests because they are poisonous, prey on native fauna, compete with vertebrate insectivores (skinks) , spread disease to native fish and frogs.
2
Q

Why are invasions more likely on islands than in continental areas?

A
  • Species poor
  • more disturbed
  • species are less resistant
  • propagule pressures higher on islands
  • endemics
  • isolation.
3
Q

What are the characteristics of invaders?

A
  • High rates of reproduction
  • Long-lived
  • High dispersal rates
  • Single-parent reproduction
  • Vegetative or clonal reproduction
  • High genetic variability
  • Broad diet (polyphagous)
  • Broad native range
  • Habitat generalists
  • Human commensal.