Invasive species

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Invasive species is a phrase with several definitions. The first definition expresses the phrase in terms of non-indigenous species (e.g. plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. It has been used in this sense by government organizations as well as conservation groups such as the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

The second definition broadens the boundaries to include both native and non-native species that heavily colonize a particular habitat.

The third definition is an expansion of the first and defines an invasive species as a widespread non-indigenous species. This last definition is arguably too broad as not all non-indigenous species necessarily have an adverse effect on their adopted environment. An example of this broader use would include the claim that the common goldfish (Carassius auratus) is invasive. Although it is common outside its range globally, it almost never appears in harmful densities.

Because of the ambiguity of its definition, the phrase invasive species is often criticized as an imprecise term within the field of ecology. This article concerns the first two definitions; for the third, see introduced species.

For more information about Invasive species, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with invasive plants


Researchers learn why invasive plants are spreading rapidly in forests

Researchers learn why invasive plants are spreading rapidly in forests

Biology / Ecology

created Dec 10, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Invasive plants are advancing into Eastern forests at an alarming rate, and the rapid spread has been linked by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences to forest road ...


Microorganism may provide key to combating giant salvinia throughout Louisiana

Microorganism may provide key to combating giant salvinia throughout Louisiana

Biology / Ecology

created Nov 19, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

A team of researchers at Louisiana Tech University has found that a naturally occurring microorganism acts as a natural herbicide against giant salvinia.





Search results for invasive plants


Invasive Nettle Moth Triggers Hawaii Research

Invasive Nettle Moth Triggers Hawaii Research

Biology / Ecology

created Nov 19, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Like children everywhere, kids in Hawaii love to run barefoot through tall grass. But an invasive pest called the nettle moth caterpillar can take the fun out of this simple childhood pleasure, ...


Engineers develop machine that visually inspects and sorts strawberry plants

Technology / Engineering

created Dec 17, 2009 | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) have developed a plant-sorting machine that uses computer vision and machine learning to inspect and grade harvested strawberry plants ...


Experts: Disease-resistant plants enhance profits, client satisfaction

Experts: Disease-resistant plants enhance profits, client satisfaction

Biology / Ecology

created Dec 11, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

New varieties of plants marketed as "disease-resistant" or "insect-resistant" are becoming more accessible to consumers. Available through local garden centers and catalogues, these attractive ornamentals ...


The future of organic ornamental plants

The future of organic ornamental plants

Biology / Other

created Dec 11, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Whether plants are grown for food or ornamental use, conventional agricultural production methods have the same environmental impact. Pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers can find their way into ...


Antagonistic genes control rice growth

Antagonistic genes control rice growth

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Dec 15, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Scientists at the Carnegie Institution, with colleagues, have found that a plant steroid prompts two genes to battle each other—one suppresses the other to ensure that leaves grow normally in rice and the ...


Newly identified enzymes help plants sense elevated CO2 and could lead to water-wise crops

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Dec 13, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Biologists have identified plant enzymes that may help to engineer plants that take advantage of elevated carbon dioxide to use water more efficiently. The finding could help to engineer crops that take advantage of rising ...


Global barcode project to scan plants in the wild

Biology / Ecology

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- A cheap and fast method of identifying the world's most important plants in the wild could soon be possible, thanks to a global project involving the University of Adelaide.


Japanese researchers say they have found a way to make plant leaves absorb more carbon dioxide

Extra pores on plants could ease global warming: Japan study

Biology / Biotechnology

created Dec 10, 2009 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (10) | comments 4

Japanese researchers said Thursday they had found a way to make plant leaves absorb more carbon dioxide in an innovation that may one day help ease global warming and boost food production.


Fertilizer use not always helpful in revegetation efforts

Space & Earth / Environment

created Dec 17, 2009 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (5) | comments 3

Companies and communities trying to restore vegetation on damaged northern landscapes should think twice about using fertilizer to stimulate growth according to new research published in the November issue of Arctic, Antarctic an ...


Behavior modification could ease concerns about nanoparticles

Behavior modification could ease concerns about nanoparticles

Nanotechnology / Bio & Medicine

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

In an advance that could help ease health and environmental concerns about the emerging nanotechnology industry, scientists are reporting development of technology for changing the behavior of nanoparticles ...



List of search results for invasive plants