Question

How do invasive species disrupt an ecosystem? Describe at least one example of when invasive species have disrupted an ecosystem. Your example could be a plant, animal, fungus, ext. (please please please help!!)

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

I think one of the most invasive species is perhaps the Dandelion. Who hasn't had a fit when we see them change from yellow to gray. The yellow is pretty, but the gray means it is ready to spread its seed to create more trouble.

Dandelions can be killed with herbicides, but I think you'd be as well off putting up with the dandelion. The herbicides have an unproven effect on our health.

The dandelion was introduced into the Americas in the mid 1600s and was used as food and had medical properties. Since then, because it has no common enemy in nature, it has spread the entire width of the continent. Rather amazing, I think.

Answer 2

When a new aggressive species is introduced into an ecosystem, it may not have any natural predators or controls. They can breed quickly and take over an area and native wildlife may not have evolved defenses against the invader. The invader also takes over the natural resources for the native species. Aggressive plant species like Kudzu can quickly replace a diverse ecosystem with a monoculture of just Kudzu. Additionally, some invasive species are capable of changing the conditions of an ecosystem, such as changing soil chemistry or the intensity of wildfires.