There can be a meaningful ecological difference between an organism that evolved with an ecosystem and an organism that evolved outside of but spread, migrated or was otherwise introduced into that ecosystem. An organism that evolved with an ecosystem is considered a component that characterizes that ecosystem. An introduced organism that did not evolve with that ecosystem should at least be evaluated for its potential modifying effects on that ecosystem.
Am I being too simplistic? Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist Tigard, OR -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Manuel Spínola Sent: Saturday, 10 September, 2011 12:22 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] a non Ivory Tower view of invasive species With all due respect, are not we all invaders at some point in time? Best, Manuel Spínola 2011/9/10 David L. McNeely <[email protected]> > ---- Matt Chew <[email protected]> wrote: > > > We can compose effectively endless lists of cases where human agency has > > redistributed biota and thereby affected pre-existing populations, > > ecological relationships and traditional or potential economic > > opportunities. Those are indisputable facts. > > The House Sparrow is in North America by human hand. > > > > But what those facts mean is disputable. > > House sparrows are in serious decline in Europe, probably as an unintended > consequence due to human actions. > > > > I see effects; they see impacts. > > I see change; they see damage. > > Many people see a need to eradicate non-natives. At the same time, many > people see a need to preserve natives. > > With regard to the house sparrow ------ hmmm......... . > > Where does the "arms race" that Matt mentioned further along in his post > lead? > > mcneely > > > > -- *Manuel Spínola, Ph.D.* Instituto Internacional en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre Universidad Nacional Apartado 1350-3000 Heredia COSTA RICA [email protected] [email protected] Teléfono: (506) 2277-3598 Fax: (506) 2237-7036 Personal website: Lobito de río <https://sites.google.com/site/lobitoderio/> Institutional website: ICOMVIS <http://www.icomvis.una.ac.cr/>
