Introduced species: A significant component of human-caused global change
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Abstract
Biological invasions are a widespread and significant component of human-caused global environmental change. The extent of invasions of oceanic islands, and their consequences for native biological diversity, have long been recognized. However, invasions of continental regions also are substantial. For example, more than 2,000 species of alien plants are established in the continental United States. These invasions represent a human-caused breakdown of the regional distinctiveness of Earth's flora and fauna—a substantial global change in and of itself. Moreover, there are well- documented examples of invading species that degrade human health and wealth, alter the structure and functioning of otherwise undisturbed ecosystems, and/or threaten native biological diversity. Invasions also interact synergistically with other components of global change. notably land use change. People and institutions working to understand, prevent, and control invasions are carrying out some of the most important—and potentially most effective—work on global environmental change.
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Introduced species: A significant component of human-caused global change |
Series title | New Zealand Journal of Ecology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 1 |
Year Published | 1997 |
Language | English |
Publisher | New Zealand Ecological Society |
Publisher location | Christchurch |
Contributing office(s) | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |
Description | 16 p. |
First page | 1 |
Last page | 16 |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |