Question

1. are all introduced species invasive? explain using examples.
2. explain why most introduced species are not successful in their new environment.
3. how does the success of an invasive species depend on its placement in its new food web? explain.
4. list and briefly outline the possible ecological consequences of introducing an invasive species.
5. describe the impacts of invasive species on human society.
6. give an example of a domesticated animal that has become an invasive species.

Explanation:

1. Not all introduced species are invasive. For example, honey - bees were introduced to North America and are beneficial for pollination. Invasive species cause harm to the native ecosystem, while non - invasive introduced species can co - exist without negative impacts.
2. Most introduced species are not successful because they may face a lack of suitable food sources, new predators, and diseases they are not adapted to. The new environment may also have different physical conditions like temperature and humidity that they cannot tolerate.
3. If an invasive species is placed high in the food web (e.g., a top - predator), it can over - hunt native species, causing a decline in their populations. If it is placed lower, it may out - compete native species for resources. Its success depends on its ability to find a niche in the food web without facing strong natural controls.
4. Possible ecological consequences include the decline or extinction of native species due to competition for resources or predation, alteration of habitats as invasive plants may change soil chemistry or structure, and disruption of food webs.
5. Invasive species can impact human society by damaging crops (e.g., the Colorado potato beetle), causing harm to human health (e.g., some invasive mosquitoes can carry diseases), and affecting industries like forestry and tourism.
6. The domestic cat is an example. When feral, it preys on a wide range of small native mammals, birds, and reptiles, causing significant damage to native wildlife populations in many areas.

Answer:

1. No. Example: Honey - bees in North America.
2. Lack of suitable food, new predators, diseases, and unsuitable physical conditions.
3. Depends on niche in food web; top - predators can over - hunt, lower - placed species can out - compete.
4. Decline/extinction of native species, habitat alteration, disruption of food webs.
5. Damage to crops, harm to human health, impact on industries.
6. Domestic cat.