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Biodiversity:
Ecological Effects of Species Introductions and Extinctions
by Waterose et. al.
What ecosystems are affected and how? What components?
Virtually all ecosystems are affected by introduced species.
Ecosystems can be divided by physical characteristics as follows:
Terrestrial:
Land:
Surface ecosystems on land are affected by disturbances and deforestation for urbanization, agriculture, and economic gain. A good example is the introduced scotch broom on Vancouver Island which blooms mustard yellow all over the island in every nook and cranny in the spring.
Soils:
Soils are also vulnerable to stressors. Significant alterations in soil composition, chemical content, and soil permeability can alter the soil community. Even the common earthworm is an introduced species. Locallyy, the BC forests have a special relationship with the fungi in the soil, and extensive underground networks of fungi can range for many kilometers.
Water:
Fresh water:
Fresh water ecosystems are very vulnerable to stressors, and even though fresh water systems do have a natural capacity to absorb inputs, there are limits. Changes in acidity, or nutrients can significantly alter the balance in a freshwater ecosystem. Locally, the introduction of Eurasian Watermilfoil in freshwater systems in the 1970’s is wreaking havoc with indigenous water plants and is having an adverse impact on spawning salmon on Vancouver Island.
Marine:
Marine ecosystems can be significantly altered by introduced species.
For example, the Spartina salt marsh grass, which was vectored in as packing material for East Coast Oysters, invades mud flats and displaces birds, fish, and commercially harvested oysters. Furthermore attempts to eradicate the spartina with chemical controls has decimated oyster beds.
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