Question

Discuss the traits/behaviors that invasive species often exhibit that gives them competitive advantage over the native flora and fauna and how diversity is affected. Be sure to include specific examples of both plants and animals and how each has out competed local species.

Answer 1

Invasive species are newly introduced species that are not native to a specific location and it has great potential to harm the harmony of that environment.

Common invasive species traits include:

Fast growth: They grow faster than the local species present and out compete them.

Rapid reproduction: They have fast reproduction techniques to out-reproduce the native species and spreading of this invasive species happens.

High dispersal ability: They have high ability to disperse themselves for faster spreading.

Phenotypic plasticity: They have the ability to alter growth form to suit the new and current ecological conditions.They have tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions meaning ecological competence.

So, the invasive species are often able to outcompete the native species. Such an example of invasive species is the Asian carp. The Asian carp is native to Russia and China. They were introduced to North America and Europe. They are very large, and have big appetites and reproduce quickly. So, they took food and habitat away from the native fish species. Another example is Kudzu, which is a vine plant native to Japan. It was introduced in United States and it outcompeted other species for resouece. They competed native flora for light and blocked the native species's access to light by growing over the native species and shading them with Kudzu's leaves.