Ecology of Biological Invasions of North America and Hawaii

Ecology of Biological Invasions of North America and Hawaii

Author: Harold A. Mooney

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 1461249880

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The diversity of the earth's climates superimposed upon a complex configuration of physical features has provided the conditions for the evolution of a remarkable array of living things which are linked together into complex ecosystems. The kinds of organisms comprising the ecosystems of the world, and the nature of their interactions, have constantly changed through time due to coevolutionary interactions along with the effects of a continually changing physical environ ment. In recent evolutionary time there has been a dramatic and ever-accelerating rate of change in the configuration of these ecosystems because of the increasing influence of human beings. These changes range from subtle modifications caused by anthropogenically induced alterations in atmospheric properties to the total destruction of ecosystems. Many of these modifications have provided the fuel, food, and fiber which have allowed the expansion of human populations. Unfortunately, there have been many unanticipated changes which accompanied these modifications which have had effects detrimental to human welfare in cluding substantial changes in water and air quality. For example, the use of high-sulfur coal to produce energy in parts of North America is altering the properties of freshwater lakes and forests because of acidification.


Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions

Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions

Author: Dr. Daniel Simberloff

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2011-01-02

Total Pages: 1580

ISBN-13: 0520948432

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This pioneering encyclopedia illuminates a topic at the forefront of global ecology—biological invasions, or organisms that come to live in the wrong place. Written by leading scientists from around the world, Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions addresses all aspects of this subject at a global level—including invasions by animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria—in succinct, alphabetically arranged articles. Scientifically uncompromising, yet clearly written and free of jargon, the volume encompasses fields of study including biology, demography, geography, ecology, evolution, sociology, and natural history. Featuring many cross-references, suggestions for further reading, illustrations, an appendix of the world’s worst 100 invasive species, a glossary, and more, this is an essential reference for anyone who needs up-to-date information on this important topic. Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions features articles on: • Well-known invasive species such the zebra mussel, chestnut blight, cheatgrass, gypsy moth, Nile perch, giant African snail, and Norway rat • Regions with especially large numbers of introduced species including the Great Lakes, Mediterranean Sea, Hawaiian Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. • Conservation, ecological, economic, and human and animal health impacts of invasions around the world • The processes and pathways involved in invasion • Management of introduced species


Alien Species in North America and Hawaii

Alien Species in North America and Hawaii

Author: George W. Cox

Publisher:

Published: 1999-09

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13:

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The world is in the midst of an ecological explosion with devastating implications. Thousands of species of microbes, plants, and animals are being introduced, both deliberately and inadvertently, to new land areas, seas, and freshwaters. In many regions, these new colonists are running wild, disrupting the dynamics of ecosystems, pushing native species toward extinction, and causing billions of dollars in direct economic damages.Alien Species in North America and Hawaii provides a comprehensive overview of the invasive species phenomenon, examining the threats posed and the damage that has already been done to ecosystems across North America and Hawaii. George W. Cox considers both the biological theory underlying invasions and the potential and actual effects on ecosystems and human activities. His book offers a framework for understanding the problem and provides a detailed examination of species and regions. Specific chapters examine: North American invaders and their threats how exotic species are dispersed to new regions how physical and biotic features influence the establishment and spread of invasives patterns of exotic invasions, with separate chapters covering each of the ten most seriously invaded regions and ecosystems patterns of invasiveness exhibited by major groups of exotics the theory of invasive capability of alien species and the resistance of communities to invasion theoretical aspects of ecosystem impacts of invaders and the evolutionary interaction of invaders and natives management and public policy issuesAlien Species in North America and Hawaii offers for the first time an assessment and synthesis of the problem of invasive species in North American and Hawaiian ecosystems. Scientists, conservation professionals, policymakers, and anyone involved with the study and control of invasive species will find the book an essential guide and reference to one of the most serious and widespread threats to global biodiversity.


Alien Species in North America and Hawaii Impacts on Natural Ecosystems

Alien Species in North America and Hawaii Impacts on Natural Ecosystems

Author: George W. Cox

Publisher: Turtleback

Published: 1999-09-01

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780613917230

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The world is in the midst of ecological an explosion with devastating implications. Thousands of species of microbes, plants, and animals are being introduced, both deliberately and inadvertently, to new land areas, seas, and fresh-waters.Alien Species in North America and Hawaii provides a comprehensive overview of the invasive species phenomenon, examining the threats posed and the damage that has already been done. It offers a framework for understanding the problem and provides a detailed examination of species and regions. Specific chapters examine: -- North American invaders and their threats -- how exotic species are dispersed to new regions -- patterns of exotic invasions, with separate chapters covering each of the ten most seriously invaded regions and ecosystems -- patterns of invasiveness exhibited by major groups of exotics -- the theory of invasive capability of alien species and the resistance of communities to invasion -- management and public policy issuesAlien Species in North America and Hawaii offers for the first time an assessment and synthesis of the problem of invasive species in North American and Hawaiian ecosystems. Scientists, conservation professsionals, policymakers, and anyone involved with the study and control of invasive species will find the book an essential guide and reference.


Nature Out of Place

Nature Out of Place

Author: Jason Van Driesche

Publisher: Island Press

Published: 2013-04-10

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 1610910958

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Though the forests are still green and the lakes full of water, an unending stream of invasions is changing many ecosystems around the world from productive, tightly integrated webs of native species to loose assemblages of stressed native species and aggressive invaders. The earth is becoming what author David Quammen has called a "planet of weeds." Nature Out of Place brings this devastating but overlooked crisis to the forefront of public consciousness by offering a fascinating exploration of its causes and consequences, along with a thoughtful and practical consideration of what can be done about it. The father and son team of Jason and Roy Van Driesche offer a unique combination of narratives that highlight specific locations and problems along with comprehensive explanations of the underlying scientific and policy issues. Chapters examine Hawaii, where introduced feral pigs are destroying the islands' native forests; zebra mussel invasion in the rivers of Ohio; the decades-long effort to eradicate an invasive weed on the Great Plains; and a story about the restoration of both ecological and human history in an urban natural area. In-depth background chapters explain topics ranging from how ecosystems become diverse, to the characteristics of effective invaders, to procedures and policies that can help prevent future invasions. The book ends with a number of specific suggestions for ways that individuals can help reduce the impacts of invasive species, and offers resources for further information. By bringing the problem of invasive species to life for readers at all levels, Nature Out of Place will play an essential role in the vital effort to raise public awareness of this ongoing ecological crisis.


Biological Invasions

Biological Invasions

Author: M. Williamson

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 0412591901

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Some biological invasions have marked ecological and economic effects. But most fail, and most of those that succeed have small effects. This volume should be of interest to plant ecologists, plant conservationists, population biologists, agriculturalists


Invasion Ecology

Invasion Ecology

Author: Julie L. Lockwood

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-03-12

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 144430898X

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This book provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects ofbiological invasion by non-native species. Highlighting importantresearch findings associated with each stage of invasion,Invasion Ecology provides an overview of the invasionprocess from transportation patterns and causes of establishmentsuccess to ecological impacts, invader management, andpost-invasion evolution. Increasing awareness of the problems associated with invasionhas led to a rapid growth in research into the dynamics ofnon-native species and their adverse effects on native biota andhuman economies. This book provides a synthesis of this fastgrowing field of research, and is an essential text forundergraduate and graduate students in ecology and conservationmanagement.


Biological Invasions in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin

Biological Invasions in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin

Author: F. di Castri

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 458

ISBN-13: 9400918763

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In view of the massive change in the area of distribution of many world biota across classical biogeographical realms, and of the drastic restructuring of the biotic components of numerous ecosystems, the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) decided at its general Assembly in Ottawa, Canada, in 1982 to launch a project on the 'Ecology of Biological Invasions'. Several regional meetings were subsequently organized within the framework of SCOPE, in order to single out the peculiarities of the invasions that took place in each region, the behaviour of their invasive species and the invasibility of their ecosystems. Most noteworthy among such workshops were one in Australia in August 1984, one concerning North America and Hawaii in October 1984, and one dealing with southern Africa in November 1985. A leitmotiv of these workshops was that most of the invasive species to those regions were emanating from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, inadvertently or intentionally introduced by man. It was therefore considered as a timely endeavour to organize the next regional meeting in relation to this region. The workshop on 'Biological Invasions in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin' was held in Montpellier, France, 21 to 23 May 1986, thanks to the financial support of SCOPE and of the A.W. Mellon Foundation, and the logistic facilities of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N .R.S.).