Introduction

What's Being Done

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 National Invasive Species Information Center

 

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Submodule 2: Invasive Species Defined

Introduction

The National Invasive Species Information Center website defines "invasive species" as follows:

1. Non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and
2. Whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

In this sub module, you will learn the "basics" of invasive species. You will start with a presentation of the sometimes-confusing array of terms used to signify invasive species. You will then learn about some characteristics of these species and what makes them invasive. After some background on where invasive species come from, you will be able to access a map of the U.S. that illustrates the journeys taken by some important invasive species into this country. In addition, you will be able to access a map identifying where plant, animal, and microbe invasive species are found in the U.S. This sub module will end with a short discussion of the many non-native species in the U.S. that are beneficial and, in fact, quite important to Americans.

 

Zebra mussels (photo courtesy USGS), native to Eurasia, compete with native species and clog pipes.

 

 

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