AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -invasive species, also called introduced species, alien species, or exotic species, any nonnative species that significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it colonizes.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is often thought that the terms ‘invasive’ and ‘non-native’ can be used interchangeably, but this is not always true. For a plant or animal to be invasive, it must do harm. Simply being non-native is not cause for concern. The National Park Service actively manages those non-native species that do harm.

Detailed explanation-3: -An alien or non-native species is one that has been intentionally or accidentally transported and released into an environment outside of its historic or resident geographical range or habitat. Such species are described as ‘invasive’ if they are ecologically and/or economically harmful.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some synonyms for “non-native” are alien, introduced, exotic.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Gypsy Moth, Nutria, Zebra Mussel, Hydrilla, Sea Lamprey and Kudzu are examples of non-natives that have caused massive economic and ecological losses in new locations because the natural controls of their native ecosystems were not there.