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Topic 23 - Invasive species - increased distributions of introduced species and their ecological consequences
Essential elements from Topic 23:
Here, we discuss the introductions and spread of non-native species that are occurring today that impact the sustainability of today's ecosystems. We discuss six key topic areas in which invasive species affect plant communities, including examples appropriate to our region:
Topic 23 - Invasive species - increased distributions of introduced species and their ecological consequences
Essential elements from Topic 23:
Here, we discuss the introductions and spread of non-native species that are occurring today that impact the sustainability of today's ecosystems. We discuss six key topic areas in which invasive species affect plant communities, including examples appropriate to our region:
- Introduction of native species and their replacement of native species
- Common characteristics of an invasive plant species
- Bromus tectorum - cheat grass - an introduced annual that is increasing fire frequency and changing ecosystem structure
- Tamarix ramosissima - tamarisk - an introduced riparian tree and the recent efforts on its elimination through biological control
- Elaeagnus angustifolia - Russian olive - an introduced riparian tree
- Agropyron cristatum - crested wheatgrass - an introduced range grass with different competitive characteristics
- Why do native species compete so poorly with invasive species?