Question

How do exotic species threaten ecosystems?

Answer 1

Exotic species:

1. The species of plants or animals which are non-native to the introduced environment are known as exotic species.
2. Exotic species will compete for food, resources, and predation in an ecosystem.
3. They are also known as invasive species as they threaten the native species.
4. Hence, they may cause the extinction of a native species.
5. Exotic species are known to decrease the species diversity or abundance of the ecosystem in which they have been introduced.
6. These species can also alter the food web of the ecosystem and often undergo a dramatic increase in the population.
7. An example of an exotic species is the introduction of the Nile perch into Lake Victoria which caused the extinction of 200 species of cichlid fish.
8. Another example is the introduction of Eucalyptus from Australia to the Western Ghats which became highly invasive and has created a menace.