Introduction
Do you recognize the grey squirrel from the forest behind our school? These squirrels are actually alien invaders, or invasive species!
Everyday, new alien species of plants and animals are being introduced into different ecosystems. Think for a moment about the plants and animals you see in Langley and around BC. Some of these species are native but many species were actually brought here from other continents by people. Plants and animals that were brought here from other places are called "exotic," "alien," or "non-native." Some non-native species were brought here deliberately while others were brought by people accidentally. Many of these non-native species are harmless or even beneficial, but some become aggressive in their new home. We call these "invasive species."
Invasive species include plants, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, and many other species. Invasive species harm natural ecosystems and displace native plants and animals. They have few to no natural predators in their new environment, out-compete native plants and animals for resources like food and space, and disrupt natural food webs. Scientists consider invasive species to be one of the top two threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss.
Watch the following video to familiarize yourself with some invasive species recently found in BC:
Everyday, new alien species of plants and animals are being introduced into different ecosystems. Think for a moment about the plants and animals you see in Langley and around BC. Some of these species are native but many species were actually brought here from other continents by people. Plants and animals that were brought here from other places are called "exotic," "alien," or "non-native." Some non-native species were brought here deliberately while others were brought by people accidentally. Many of these non-native species are harmless or even beneficial, but some become aggressive in their new home. We call these "invasive species."
Invasive species include plants, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, and many other species. Invasive species harm natural ecosystems and displace native plants and animals. They have few to no natural predators in their new environment, out-compete native plants and animals for resources like food and space, and disrupt natural food webs. Scientists consider invasive species to be one of the top two threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss.
Watch the following video to familiarize yourself with some invasive species recently found in BC:
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