Question

As invasive species, how does the introduction of the feral pig and the water hyacinth impact an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Answer and explanation;

-Invasive species cause harm to wildlife in many ways. When a new and aggressive species is introduced into an ecosystem, it may not have any natural predators or controls. It can breed and spread quickly, taking over an area.

-The direct threats of invasive species include preying on native species, out-competing native species for food or other resources, causing or carrying disease, and preventing native species from reproducing or killing a native species' young.

-In this case; Feral pigs will eat almost anything, including native birds. They compete with native wildlife for food sources such as acorns. Feral pigs spread diseases, such as brucellosis, to people and livestock. E. coli from their feces was implicated in the E. coli contamination of baby spinach in 2006.

-Water hyacinth is a beautiful aquatic plant. In the wild, it forms dense mats, reducing sunlight for submerged plants and aquatic organisms, crowding out native aquatic plants, and clogging waterways and intake pipes.

Answer 2

Found in many parts of the world, the feral pig damages crops by trampling and "rooting." It attacks and feeds on livestock (mainly lambs) and causes the spread of weeds. It also spreads diseases such as leptospirosis and foot-and-mouth disease. Feral pigs feed primarily on plants but also on earthworms, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The water hyacinth spreads at extremely fast rates, in favorable conditions doubling its numbers in as little as 12 days. The plant, which floats on the water's surface, can cover large areas, thus limiting boat traffic, swimming, and fishing. By blanketing the surface, the plant also prevents sunlight from entering the water. Moreover, when it dies, the decaying plant matter robs the water of oxygen. The reduced amount of sunlight and oxygen in the water disrupts plant and animal life, adversely affecting the habitat's biodiversity.