The Effects Of Foreign Species Introduction On An Ecosystem :: essays research papers

The Effects of Foreign Species Introduction On An EcosystemThe cause of foreign species introduction into an ecosystem are verypro strand. From small microorganisms to species of large mammals, many a(prenominal) foreignspecies introductions pass off every day. New subtractions of their introductionare found just as often.When a foreign species is introduced into an ecosystem, often theecosystem contains no infixed predators for the rude(a) species. This lack ofpredators sometimes leads to in conjunction with a add together of food suitable forthe new species, a period of exponential egression of the species. This growth andsevere increase in the size of the population house cause a shortage of food fornative species. When this occurs, the native species go and thebiodiversity in the ecosystem is reduced. The carrying capacity is also reducedbecause the ecosystem will not be capable of supporting the same amount of life.If one species hogs the food and does not contribute itself to the food chemical chain,the balance is disrupted and there will be less available for the native species.Once the new species has found its ecologic niche however, balance begins torestore itself.When the biodiversity in the ecosystem is reduced, the ability of theecosystem to grow, or the biotic potential, is as well reduced. More speciesresiding in an ecosystem which depend on individually other allows for a gre ingestr chanceof survival and perpetuation. This may occur for several reasons, for example abee and a flower. The bee requires the pollen of the flower to make its honey.However, mend gathering the pollen from the flowers, it transfers some of thepollen to female flowers, allowing them to make seeds and spawn furthergenerations. However, a foreign species may, for example, eat the beestherefore allowing for decreased fecundity of the flowers.Another implication of the introduction of foreign species into anecosystem is the potential for toxins to be spread u p the species chain isincreased. For example, in ports all over the world, ships empty their ballasttanks containing large amounts of sea water, often laced with organisms notnaturally found in their new region. The zebra mussel provides food for acertain type of fish, and also contains several toxins because it is a filterfeeder. The level of toxins in the fish due to the biological intricacy ishigh. But if and when a new type of fish are introduced, which consume zebramussels and provides a more preferred food for the fish which formerly ate themussels, a new level of biological amplification is inserted.