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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between an Introduced Species and an Invasive Species?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between an Introduced Species and an Invasive Species?

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The main difference between an introduced species and an invasive species lies in their impact on the ecosystem they are introduced to. Both introduced and invasive species are non-native, meaning they are not naturally found in the area they currently inhabit.

An introduced species is a non-native species that has been moved to a new area, either deliberately or accidentally. Some introduced species can be beneficial, such as biocontrol agents that help control pests, or common crops like maize, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Other introduced species may have little to no impact on their new environment, like petunias and tomatoes in a backyard.

An invasive species, on the other hand, is an introduced species that disrupts or harms the ecosystem it has been introduced to. Invasive species can cause damage by outcompeting native species for resources, causing harm to local communities and people, or directly attacking native species. They often spread rapidly in their new environment and may not have natural predators or controls in their new ecosystem. Invasive species are considered a serious environmental and ecological threat.

In summary:

  • Introduced species are non-native organisms that may have positive, negative, or neutral impacts on their new environment.
  • Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the ecosystem they have been introduced to, often disrupting natural balances and causing damage to native species.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between an Introduced Species and an Invasive Species?
  • Comparative Table: an Introduced Species vs an Invasive Species

    • Comparative Table: an Introduced Species vs an Invasive Species

    Here is a table comparing the differences between an introduced species and an invasive species:

    Feature Introduced Species Invasive Species
    Definition An introduced species is a non-native species that has been brought to a new environment by humans or other means. An invasive species is a non-native species that has a negative impact on its new ecosystem, causing harm to the native species and disrupting the local environment.
    Impact Introduced species may have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on the new environment. Invasive species always have a negative impact on the new environment.
    Examples Most plants like maize, tomatoes, and pumpkins were introduced into India and are considered beneficial species. Invasive species include invasive carp, Burmese python, brown marmorated stink bug, and zebra mussels.
    Displacement of Native Species Introduced species may or may not displace native species. Invasive species often displace native species and can lead to a loss of biodiversity.

    In summary, an introduced species is a non-native species that has been brought to a new environment, while an invasive species is a non-native species that has a negative impact on its new ecosystem. Introduced species may have varying effects on their new environment, whereas invasive species always cause harm to the native species and disrupt the local environment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.