ALIEN SPECIES
1. Context
In the most extensive study on invasive species carried out till date, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in its new publication – the “Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control’’ – has found that there are 37,000 alien species, including plants and animals, that have been introduced
2. Alien Species
Invasive species, also known as exotic or alien species, refer to plants, animals, or microorganisms that are introduced to a new habitat or ecosystem, typically by human activities, and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health in the new location. Invasive species can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and pose significant challenges for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management
2.1. Key Characteristics
- Invasive species are often introduced intentionally or unintentionally by humans.
- They can be introduced through trade, transport, travel, or deliberate release for various purposes, such as agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, and pet trade
- Invasive species tend to have characteristics that give them a competitive advantage in the new environment.
- This can include rapid reproduction, lack of natural predators or diseases, and adaptability to different environmental conditions
- Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources like food, water, and habitat. They may alter nutrient cycling, fire regimes, and other ecosystem processes
- Invasive species are a significant threat to native biodiversity. They can lead to the decline or extinction of native species through predation, competition, or habitat modification.
- Invasive species can also have severe economic impacts. They can damage agricultural crops, forests, fisheries, and infrastructure. Controlling and managing invasive species can be costly
- Some invasive species can pose risks to human health. For example, certain invasive plants may trigger allergies, while invasive mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Zika and West Nile virus
- Invasive species are a global issue, and international cooperation is crucial for addressing the problem.
- Organizations like the Convention on Biological Diversity and regional agreements work to address invasive species at a global level
- Efforts to manage and control invasive species may involve eradication, containment, prevention, and control measures.
- Biological control, chemical control, and physical methods are often used, depending on the species and the context
3. Exotic Species
An exotic species is a species that is not native to a particular area. This can include plants, animals, and microorganisms. Exotic species are often introduced to new areas by humans, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Exotic species can have both positive and negative impacts on agriculture. On the one hand, exotic species can be used to improve crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases.
For example, the introduction of exotic crop varieties, such as corn and soybeans, to the Americas led to a significant increase in agricultural production
3.1. Key Characteristics
- Exotic species are species that have been moved from their native range to a new geographic area, often due to human activities.
- They can be introduced through trade, travel, agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, and other human-mediated means.
- Exotic species may possess characteristics that make them successful in their new environment. These characteristics can include rapid growth, efficient reproduction, lack of natural predators, and the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions.
- Exotic species can have a range of ecological impacts. They may outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to declines in native biodiversity.
- Some exotic species can alter ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling or fire regimes
- Exotic species can also have economic impacts. They may damage agricultural crops, forests, fisheries, and infrastructure, leading to financial losses. Controlling and managing exotic species can be expensive
- Not all exotic species have negative impacts. Some introduced species can provide benefits to the new environment or human society. For example, certain exotic plants may have ornamental value or be used in agriculture
- Managing exotic species typically involves prevention, early detection, and control measures. Strategies may include eradication, containment, biological control (using natural enemies), chemical control, and physical removal methods
4. Differences between alien species and exotic species
| Alien Species | Exotic Species |
| "Alien Species" is a more global or generic term used in international contexts and by organizations like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to refer to species introduced outside their native range. | "Exotic Species" is sometimes used in more localized or regional contexts and may have slightly different connotations depending on the region. For example, in North America, "exotic" is often used interchangeably with "alien," while in Europe, "exotic" might refer to species introduced from outside the continent. |
| "Alien Species" tends to have a more neutral or scientific connotation, emphasizing the fact that the species is not native to the area. | "Exotic Species" can sometimes carry connotations of novelty or unfamiliarity, highlighting the species' exotic or non-native status. This term is often used in horticulture and the pet trade to describe non-native species introduced for decorative or ornamental purposes. |
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Previous year Questions
Read the following passage and answer.
Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only. (UPSC CSE CSAT 2018)
Most invasive species are neither terribly successful nor very harmful. Britain's invasive plants are not widespread, not spreading especially quickly, and often less of a nuisance than vigorous natives such as bracken. The arrival of new species almost always increases biological diversity in a region; in many cases, a flood of newcomers drives no native species to extinction. One reason is that invaders tend to colonise disturbed habitats like polluted lakes and post-industrial wasteland, where little else lives. They are nature’s opportunists.
Which one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
A.Invasive species should be used to rehabilitate desert areas and wastelands of a country.
B.Laws against the introduction of foreign plants are unnecessary.
C.Sometimes, the campaigns against foreign plants are pointless.
D.Foreign plants should be used to increase the biodiversity of a country
Answer (C)
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Source: indianexpress
