Invasive species possible cause of triggering Mass Extinctions?

An influx of invasive species can stop the dominant natural process of new species formation and trigger mass extinction events, according to research results published December 29 in the journal PLoS ONE. The study of the collapse of Earth's marine life 378 to 375 million years ago suggests that the planet's current ecosystems, which are struggling with biodiversity loss, could meet a similar fate.

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the increase of invasive predatory species does seem to be quite a major issue without the increase of new species the worlds biodiversity declines leaving the scorecard unbalanced,leading to species extinction.
Presently I believe ecosystems are balanced to the degree of keeping the balance though I personally believe it is very important to make sure we sustain this balance,for fear of history repeating it's self.

"The urgency and scale of the global biodiversity crisis means we need good generalized predictors of a species' likelihood of going extinct or becoming invasive in non-native areas," says Associate Professor Bradshaw. "Previous studies have been limited by studying one or other of these 'fates' in isolation.

"Developing evidence-based rules of thumb for categorizing poorly studied species according to their susceptibility will aid decision makers in choosing best ways to allocate finite conservation resources." Lists of 'species to watch' - both threatened and potentially invasive - should be expanded based on ranking of 'susceptibility traits', Associate Professor Bradshaw says.

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What is an Invasive Species ?

An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. (Executive Order 13112). Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions.

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Invasive Species List:
List

study's findings indicated that it can take decades to figure out which alien species will be disruptive, and looking at those that arrived in 1900 was a better indicator of current problems than looking at those from 2000. "This lag in the cause-and-effect relationship would mean that ... the seeds of future invasion problems have already been sown," said the study, published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Birds and insects were quickest to get established in new habitats, helped by their mobility. Others took far longer to reach the critical numbers to become invasive.

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It is an interesting concept...but completely incorrect in my opinion.

When a species invades, there may be a toppling of the ecosystem. But there is always a response. Something figures out it can eat the new species, or how to hide, etc, etc.

The system will generally balance itself, unless there is massive catastrophe.

reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan


bigfatfurrytexan

Not always true BFT..

Look at the Red Squirrel in the UK... When the big fat American grey came over, it has virtually wiped out the other species, which was the predominant in the UK prior.

The Reds are protected and actively supported by Man and also isolation in a few pockets.. Nature does not always re-balance ..

PDUK

reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan


I don't know if the system will balance itself with the disappearence of bees, but then again, I am no animal archiver.

Some 20 percent of all vertebrate species on Earth are threatened by extinction, according to a newly published survey – a study the research team involved says is the most exhaustive to date on biodiversity among vertebrates. The losses are due largely to human encroachment on habitat, over-fishing and over-hunting, as well as the arrival of invasive species in habitats whose natural inhabitants have no defenses against the invaders, the study says

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reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

We would have to take in consideration Mass catastrophes,Spontaneous Magnetic Anomaly,sudden decline or gradual decline of species due to man depopulating natural habitats through our Technology,degradation of rain forests and Overkill with hunting.

We cannot be so quick to deny and/or ignore any possibility .
Keep this in mind, we cannot limit "invasive species" to only mammals,plants etc.
more importantly we must remember Disease's are also Invasive Species!
Invasive and Exotic Pathogens:
Link

reply to post by PerfectPerception


Are we not he biggest invasive species of them all...

Like you posted that mos mammal extinction is caused by mans meddling.

While I get how serious an invasive species could be I fail to see how it could cause a mass extinction. I say that because something is only considered invasive if it put into an ecosystem that has no natural checks and balances to keep it under control. And mass extinctions have to take place on the global scale. Since this can only happen by the transplant of (animal, insect, amphibian, plant, tree etc) it would only affect one region/country. Unless someone intentionally placed an invasive species in every ecosystem in the world. Which would have to be done intentionally to even work and even than its a long shot. Mother nature knows what shes doing.

reply to post by Sinter Klaas


Absolutely would have to agree with your statement.
If anything I'd be the first one to admit we are destroying ourselves,the planet and the biodiversity that inhabits it.Sad but true.
Everything(Including other life-forms,bacteria)and everyone surely plays their part in this wheel of time.

Originally posted by PurpleDog UK
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

 

bigfatfurrytexan

Not always true BFT..

Look at the Red Squirrel in the UK... When the big fat American grey came over, it has virtually wiped out the other species, which was the predominant in the UK prior.

The Reds are protected and actively supported by Man and also isolation in a few pockets.. Nature does not always re-balance ..

PDUK

Yeah, niche displacement is obvious. The OP refers to mass extinction. THe concept is an interesting one to ponder (that one large predator could so throw off the homeostasis that the ecosystem collapses...kind of like the now defunct T. Rex "super predator" theory). But it has consistently been shown to be incorrect.

THe system is designed to repair and replenish. It would take quite a major event to overcome this design.

Originally posted by mr10k
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

 

I don't know if the system will balance itself with the disappearence of bees, but then again, I am no animal archiver.

Bees are not the only pollinators. What was the major pollinator before bees?

When a niche opens, some poor species is all too willing to fill it and find a better life. The Americas used to be full of predatory birds. When they died off, cats took their place.

Originally posted by PerfectPerception
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

 

We would have to take in consideration Mass catastrophes,Spontaneous Magnetic Anomaly,sudden decline or gradual decline of species due to man depopulating natural habitats through our Technology,degradation of rain forests and Overkill with hunting.

We cannot be so quick to deny and/or ignore any possibility .
Keep this in mind, we cannot limit "invasive species" to only mammals,plants etc.
more importantly we must remember Disease's are also Invasive Species!
Invasive and Exotic Pathogens:
Link

edit on 3-1-2011 by PerfectPerception because: (no reason given)

NOW you are talking. Disease is something that has been on my mind as of late. Especially viruses.

Seems like they are nothing more than genetic uploads/upgrades. That is the source of the "flu like symnptoms" that a severe viral infection will give you: it is changing you at a genetic level. Ever notice severe behavioral changes after a really bad viral infection? I have. I have had two: shingles and the flu. Both almost killed me (shingles not quite as bad, but 3 weeks with a 104 fever was still bad enough). After that 2 year period, i was a different person. My ability to use my intellect imnproved. My intuition improved. I improved overall.

But that is a digression...mass extinction by a disease is the only "invasive species" that I would think could provide a realistic scenario...and even that is pretty far flung.

Still, like i said, it is a great discussion and concept. THe T Rex Superpredator theory ruled for quite some time.