Invasive plants negatively impact native,but not exotic,animals

Despite our growing understanding of the impacts of invasive plants on ecosystem structure and function, important gaps remain, including whether native and exotic species respond differently to plant invasion. This would elucidate basic ecological interactions and inform management. We performed a meta‐analytic review of the effects of invasive plants on native and exotic resident animals. We found that invasive plants reduced the abundance of native, but not exotic, animals. This varied by animal phyla, with invasive plants reducing the abundance of native annelids and chordates, but not mollusks or arthropods. We found dissimilar impacts among “wet” and “dry” ecosystems, but not among animal trophic levels. Additionally, the impact of invasive plants increased over time, but this did not vary with animal nativity. Our review found that no studies considered resident nativity differences, and most did not identify animals to species. We call for more rigorous studies of invaded community impacts across taxa, and most importantly, explicit consideration of resident biogeographic origin. We provide an important first insight into how native and exotic species respond differently to invasion, the consequences of which may facilitate cascading trophic disruptions further exacerbating global change consequences to ecosystem structure and function.     

Differences in evolutionary history translate into differences in invasion success of alien mammals in South Africa

Attempts to investigate the drivers of invasion success are generally limited to the biological and evolutionary traits distinguishing native from introduced species. Although alien species introduced to the same recipient environment differ in their invasion intensity – for example, some are “strong invaders”; others are “weak invaders” – the factors underlying the variation in invasion success within alien communities are little explored. In this study, we ask what drives the variation in invasion success of alien mammals in South Africa. First, we tested for taxonomic and phylogenetic signal in invasion intensity. Second, we reconstructed predictive models of the variation in invasion intensity among alien mammals using the generalized linear mixed‐effects models. We found that the family Bovidae and the order Artiodactyla contained more “strong invaders” than expected by chance, and that such taxonomic signal did not translate into phylogenetic selectivity. In addition, our study indicates that latitude, gestation length, social group size, and human population density are only marginal determinant of the variation in invasion success. However, we found that evolutionary distinctiveness – a parameter characterising the uniqueness of each alien species – is the most important predictive variable. Our results indicate that the invasive behavior of alien mammals may have been “fingerprinted” in their evolutionary past, and that evolutionary history might capture beyond ecological, biological and life‐history traits usually prioritized in predictive modeling of invasion success. These findings have applicability to the management of alien mammals in South Africa.     

Determinants of vertebrate invasion success in Europe and North America

Species that are frequently introduced to an exotic range have a high potential of becoming invasive. Besides propagule pressure, however, no other generally strong determinant of invasion success is known. Although evidence has accumulated that human affiliates (domesticates, pets, human commensals) also have high invasion success, existing studies do not distinguish whether this success can be completely explained by or is partly independent of propagule pressure. Here, we analyze both factors independently, propagule pressure and human affiliation. We also consider a third factor directly related to humans, hunting, and 17 traits on each species' population size and extent, diet, body size, and life history. Our dataset includes all 2362 freshwater fish, mammals, and birds native to Europe or North America. In contrast to most previous studies, we look at the complete invasion process consisting of (1) introduction, (2) establishment, and (3) spread. In this way, we not only consider which of the introduced species became invasive but also which species were introduced. Of the 20 factors tested, propagule pressure and human affiliation were the two strongest determinants of invasion success across all taxa and steps. This was true for multivariate analyses that account for intercorrelations among variables as well as univariate analyses, suggesting that human affiliation influenced invasion success independently of propagule pressure. Some factors affected the different steps of the invasion process antagonistically. For example, game species were much more likely to be introduced to an exotic continent than nonhunted species but tended to be less likely to establish themselves and spread. Such antagonistic effects show the importance of considering the complete invasion process.     

Deciphering the worldwide invasion of the Asian long‐horned beetle: A recurrent invasion process from the native area together with a bridgehead effect

Retracing introduction routes is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes involved in an invasion, as well as for highlighting the invasion history of a species at the global scale. The Asian long‐horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a xylophagous pest native to Asia and invasive in North America and Europe. It is responsible for severe losses of urban trees, in both its native and invaded ranges. Based on historical and genetic data, several hypotheses have been formulated concerning its invasion history, including the possibility of multiple introductions from the native zone and secondary dispersal within the invaded areas, but none have been formally tested. In this study, we characterized the genetic structure of ALB in both its native and invaded ranges using microsatellites. In order to test different invasion scenarios, we used an approximate Bayesian “random forest” algorithm together with traditional population genetics approaches. The strong population differentiation observed in the native area was not geographically structured, suggesting complex migration events that were probably human‐mediated. Both native and invasive populations had low genetic diversity, but this characteristic did not prevent the success of the ALB invasions. Our results highlight the complexity of invasion pathways for insect pests. Specifically, our findings indicate that invasive species might be repeatedly introduced from their native range, and they emphasize the importance of multiple, human‐mediated introductions in successful invasions. Finally, our results demonstrate that invasive species can spread across continents following a bridgehead path, in which an invasive population may have acted as a source for another invasion.     

生物入侵机制研究进展

本文从外来种本身的生物学特性,外来种与新栖息地土著种之间的相互作用,群落生物多样性对入侵种的抵抗能力,新栖息地生态环境变化对入侵种的影响等方面综述了近年来有关生物入侵机制的研究进展,并探讨了研究方法的发展和亟待解决的问题,大量的研究表明生物入侵机制是极为多样的,可能没有一般的,通用的机制,阐明生物入侵的机制,对推动生态学理论的发展和控制有害外来种有重要意义。     

The effects of phylogenetic relatedness on invasion success and impact: deconstructing Darwin's naturalisation conundrum

Darwin's naturalisation conundrum describes the paradox that the relatedness of exotic species to native residents could either promote or hinder their success through opposing mechanisms: niche pre‐adaptation or competitive interactions. Previous studies focusing on single snapshots of invasion patterns have provided support to both sides of the conundrum. Here, by examining invasion dynamics of 480 plots over 40 years, we show that exotic species more closely related to native species were more likely to enter, establish and dominate the resident communities, and that native residents more closely related to these successful exotics were more likely to go locally extinct. Therefore, non‐random displacement of natives during invasion could weaken or even reverse the negative effects of exotic–native phylogenetic distances on invasion success. The scenario that exotics more closely related to native residents are more successful, but tend to eliminate their closely related natives, may help to reconcile the 150‐year‐old conundrum.     

Effects of exotic-native species relationship on naturalization and invasion of exotic plant species

达尔文归化难题描述了外来种-本地种亲缘关系促进(预适应假说)或阻止(达尔文归化假说)外来种成功入侵的悖论。目前, 在中国仍缺少针对达尔文归化难题的研究。为系统研究外来种-本地种亲缘关系对中国外来植物入侵的影响, 该文利用线性混合效应模型从省级、市级和群落3个空间尺度以及归化、扩散和入侵3个阶段探究了外来种-本地种谱系距离和外来植物表现的关系。结果表明: 在省级和市级(区域)尺度上, 与本地种亲缘关系较近的外来植物更有可能在当地归化和扩散, 符合预适应假说的预期; 而在群落(局域)尺度上, 外来种-本地种亲缘距离与外来种是否在群落中成功定居及其入侵程度无关。该研究结果表明与本地区系亲缘较近的外来种和本地种的竞争并不强烈, 却能较好地适应本地气候环境而具有更强的归化和入侵潜力。因此, 在今后的外来植物管理和治理中需要尤其重视与本地区系亲缘关系较近的外来植物。     

Applying competition theory to invasion: resource impacts indicate invasion mechanisms in California shrublands

Despite widespread work documenting invasion, it remains a challenge to determine invasion mechanisms and incorporate them into invasive species management. Competition theory presents a strong model for evaluating the role of resource reduction and requirements in invasion. Additionally, alternative models suggest fluctuations in resources, niche differences, or non-resource priority effects are key factors determining invasion success. We propose a comparative framework that incorporates resource impacts of native and invasive species, performance in controlled invasion trials, and long-term natural invasion patterns to elucidate relative importance of these invasion mechanisms. To demonstrate this framework, we established monocultures of two representative native and two invasive plant species in Southern California’s coastal sage scrub (CSS), measured resource impacts (i.e., R*), and conducted invasion trials to test whether resource impacts predicted invasion success. We then related experimental results to field invasion patterns. Compared to exotic herbaceous species, native shrubs were associated with greater resource depletion of key resources: light, soil water (at multiple depths), and soil inorganic nitrogen (particularly at depth). In invasion trials, natives resisted invasion by the exotics, as resource depletion measures would predict. However, these results did not follow long-term natural invasion patterns indicating that these exotic species invade areas once dominated by native shrubland. Applying our results to the invasion framework, we conclude that disturbance, or a similar mechanism causing resources to fluctuate, is needed for exotics to invade CSS habitats. This resource-based comparative analysis of invasion mechanisms can point out important processes and help suggest effective management actions.     

Undaria pinnatifida: A case study to highlight challenges in marine invasion ecology and management

Marine invasion ecology and management have progressed significantly over the last 30 years although many knowledge gaps and challenges remain. The kelp Undaria pinnatifida, or “Wakame,” has a global non‐native range and is considered one of the world's “worst” invasive species. Since its first recorded introduction in 1971, numerous studies have been conducted on its ecology, invasive characteristics, and impacts, yet a general consensus on the best approach to its management has not yet been reached. Here, we synthesize current understanding of this highly invasive species and adopt Undaria as a case study to highlight challenges in wider marine invasion ecology and management. Invasive species such as Undaria are likely to continue to spread and become conspicuous, prominent components of coastal marine communities. While in many cases, marine invasive species have detectable deleterious impacts on recipient communities, in many others their influence is often limited and location specific. Although not yet conclusive, Undaria may cause some ecological impact, but it does not appear to drive ecosystem change in most invaded regions. Targeted management actions have also had minimal success. Further research is needed before well‐considered, evidence‐based management decisions can be made. However, if Undaria was to become officially unmanaged in parts of its non‐native range, the presence of a highly productive, habitat former with commercial value and a broad ecological niche, could have significant economic and even environmental benefit. How science and policy reacts to the continued invasion of Undaria may influence how similar marine invasive species are handled in the future.     

外来种-本地种亲缘关系对外来植物归化和入侵的影响

达尔文归化难题描述了外来种-本地种亲缘关系促进(预适应假说)或阻止(达尔文归化假说)外来种成功入侵的悖论。目前, 在中国仍缺少针对达尔文归化难题的研究。为系统研究外来种-本地种亲缘关系对中国外来植物入侵的影响, 该文利用线性混合效应模型从省级、市级和群落3个空间尺度以及归化、扩散和入侵3个阶段探究了外来种-本地种谱系距离和外来植物表现的关系。结果表明: 在省级和市级(区域)尺度上, 与本地种亲缘关系较近的外来植物更有可能在当地归化和扩散, 符合预适应假说的预期; 而在群落(局域)尺度上, 外来种-本地种亲缘距离与外来种是否在群落中成功定居及其入侵程度无关。该研究结果表明与本地区系亲缘较近的外来种和本地种的竞争并不强烈, 却能较好地适应本地气候环境而具有更强的归化和入侵潜力。因此, 在今后的外来植物管理和治理中需要尤其重视与本地区系亲缘关系较近的外来植物。     

外来杂草入侵的化学机制

由外来杂草入侵引发的严重生态和经济问题已倍受关注,外来杂草在新生境成功入侵,除了具备一些基本的生物生态学特征外,还应具备一些特有的入侵机制,阐明外来杂草的各种入侵机制可以为入侵杂草的预测和控制提供科学依据。外来杂草只有在新生境中与原产地生物种间的相互作用中取得优势,才能定植并扩增种群而成功入侵．在这些外来杂草和原产地生物种间的相互作用关系中,化学关系是不可忽视的方面．目前研究已经证实：植物的化感作用在外来杂草成功入侵中发挥着重要的作用．事实上,植物也可以通过合成和释放特定的化学物质防御或抑制新生境的动物、植物和微生物．外来杂草入侵的化学机制涉及到植物化学生态学的各个方面。因此,外来杂草的化学生态学特征应作为入侵种预测的重要指标之一,外来杂草入侵的化学机制应是今后重要的研究方向。     

Effects of exotic plant invasion on soil nitrogen availability

外来植物入侵对土壤氮循环和氮有效性的影响是入侵成功或进一步加剧的重要原因。通过对比相同研究地点入侵区域和无入侵区域的土壤原位氮状态差异, 探讨了外来植物入侵对土壤氮有效性的影响程度和生理生态学机制。基于107篇相关研究文献数据的整合, 发现植物入侵区域相对于无入侵区域土壤总氮、铵态氮、硝态氮、无机氮、微生物生物量氮含量显著增加, 增幅分别为(50 ± 14)%、(60 ± 24)%、(470 ± 115)%、(69 ± 25)%、(54 ± 20)%。土壤硝态氮含量增幅较大反映硝化作用增强, 这可能增加入侵植物硝态氮利用以及喜硝植物的共存。温带地区植物入侵后土壤的硝态氮含量增幅显著高于亚热带地区。固氮植物入侵后土壤的总氮和无机氮含量增幅均显著高于非固氮植物入侵。木本和常绿植物入侵后土壤的总氮含量增幅分别高于草本和落叶植物入侵; 而土壤铵态氮含量的增幅没有显著差异且与固氮入侵植物占比无明显关系; 然而硝态氮含量的增幅普遍较高且与固氮入侵植物占比显著正相关。外来入侵植物固氮功能以及凋落物质量和数量是影响土壤氮矿化和硝化过程的关键因素。该研究为理解外来植物入侵成功和加剧的机制以及入侵植物功能性状与土壤氮动态之间的关系提供了新的见解。     

外来植物入侵对土壤氮有效性的影响

外来植物入侵对土壤氮循环和氮有效性的影响是入侵成功或进一步加剧的重要原因。通过对比相同研究地点入侵区域和无入侵区域的土壤原位氮状态差异, 探讨了外来植物入侵对土壤氮有效性的影响程度和生理生态学机制。基于107篇相关研究文献数据的整合, 发现植物入侵区域相对于无入侵区域土壤总氮、铵态氮、硝态氮、无机氮、微生物生物量氮含量显著增加, 增幅分别为(50 ± 14)%、(60 ± 24)%、(470 ± 115)%、(69 ± 25)%、(54 ± 20)%。土壤硝态氮含量增幅较大反映硝化作用增强, 这可能增加入侵植物硝态氮利用以及喜硝植物的共存。温带地区植物入侵后土壤的硝态氮含量增幅显著高于亚热带地区。固氮植物入侵后土壤的总氮和无机氮含量增幅均显著高于非固氮植物入侵。木本和常绿植物入侵后土壤的总氮含量增幅分别高于草本和落叶植物入侵; 而土壤铵态氮含量的增幅没有显著差异且与固氮入侵植物占比无明显关系; 然而硝态氮含量的增幅普遍较高且与固氮入侵植物占比显著正相关。外来入侵植物固氮功能以及凋落物质量和数量是影响土壤氮矿化和硝化过程的关键因素。该研究为理解外来植物入侵成功和加剧的机制以及入侵植物功能性状与土壤氮动态之间的关系提供了新的见解。     

Enemy release or invasional meltdown? Deer preference for exotic and native trees on Isla Victoria,Argentina

Abstract How interactions between exotic species affect invasion impact is a fundamental issue on both theoretical and applied grounds. Exotics can facilitate establishment and invasion of other exotics (invasional meltdown) or they can restrict them by re‐establishing natural population control (as predicted by the enemy‐release hypothesis). We studied forest invasion on an Argentinean island where 43 species of Pinaceae, including 60% of the world's recorded invasive Pinaceae, were introduced c. 1920 but where few species are colonizing pristine areas. In this area two species of Palearctic deer, natural enemies of most Pinaceae, were introduced 80 years ago. Expecting deer to help to control the exotics, we conducted a cafeteria experiment to assess deer preferences among the two dominant native species (a conifer, Austrocedrus chilensis, and a broadleaf, Nothofagus dombeyi) and two widely introduced exotic tree species (Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus ponderosa). Deer browsed much more intensively on native species than on exotic conifers, in terms of number of individuals attacked and degree of browsing. Deer preference for natives could potentially facilitate invasion by exotic pines. However, we hypothesize that the low rates of invasion currently observed can result at least partly from high densities of exotic deer, which, despite their preference for natives, can prevent establishment of both native and exotic trees. Other factors, not mutually exclusive, could produce the observed pattern. Our results underscore the difficulty of predicting how one introduced species will effect impact of another one.     

Unravelling the global invasion routes of a worldwide invader,the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

相似文献   

Logical fallacies and invasion biology

Leading invasion biologists sometimes dismiss critics and criticisms of their field by invoking “the straw man” fallacy. Critics of invasion biology are also labelled as a small group of “naysayers” or “contrarians”, who are sometimes engaging in “science denialism”. Such unfortunate labels can be seen as a way to possibly suppress legitimate debates and dismiss or minimize reasonable concerns about some aspects of invasion biology, including the uncertainties about the geographic origins and complex environmental impacts of species, and the control programs against species perceived as “invasive”. In assessing the quality of the debate in this area, we examine the validity of the use of various strategies, including the “straw man” concept, and explore a range of potential logical fallacies present in some recent prominent discussions about invasion biology and so-called “invasive” species. The goal is to add some clarity to the concepts involved, point out some problematic issues, and improve the quality of the debates as the discussions move forward.     

Chemical defense of an exotic coral as invasion strategy

The invasion success of exotic species has been frequently correlated to abiotic and biotic features of the receptor region and to the biological aspects of the invasive organism. There is, however, no information about defensive chemicals found in invasive species as strategy that could promote or facilitate an invasion in a marine environment. We conducted experimental field assays to verify the potential of secondary metabolites of an Indo-Pacific exotic soft coral, Stereonephthya aff. curvata, as a defensive chemical against generalist fish and as an allelopathic agent against the potential local competitor-the gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata-in Arraial do Cabo, on the southeastern coast of Brazil. As a result of our experiments, it was confirmed as an efficient chemical defense against fishes by crude coral hexanic extract. In addition to its role as defense against consumers, the field experimental assay also verified that chemicals from this exotic coral had an allelopatic effect causing large necrosis on tissues of the Brazilian endemic gorgonian P. dilatata. Both defensive strategies observed may facilitate the perpetuation and/or expansion and characterize an expressive, invasive facilitator for S. aff. curvata. The obtained results indicate that this exotic coral species may be a real threat to the biological integrity of the Arraial do Cabo Harvest Reserve, Rio de Janeiro. In addition, the study reveals that defensive chemicals can be used to predict the potential invasiveness of introduced species.     

Allelopathy and exotic plant invasion

The primary hypothesis for the astonishing success of many exotics as community invaders relative to their importance in their native communities is that they have escaped the natural enemies that control their population growth – the `natural enemies hypothesis'. However, the frequent failure of introduced biocontrols, weak consumer effects on the growth and reproduction of some invaders, and the lack of consistent strong top-down regulation in many natural ecological systems indicate that other mechanisms must be involved in the success of some exotic plants. One mechanism may be the release by the invader of chemical compounds that have harmful effects on the members of the recipient plant community (i.e., allelopathy). Here, we provide an abbreviated compilation of evidence for allelopathy in general, present a detailed case study for Centaurea diffusa, an invasive Eurasian forb in western North America, and review general evidence for allelopathic effects of invasive plants in native communities. The primary rationale for considering allelopathy as a mechanism for the success of invaders is based on two premises. First, invaders often establish virtual monocultures where diverse communities once flourished, a phenomenon unusual in natural communities. Second, allelopathy may be more important in recipient than in origin communities because the former are more likely to be naïve to the chemicals possessed by newly arrived species. Indeed, results from experiments on C. diffusa suggest that this invader produces chemicals that long-term and familiar Eurasian neighbors have adapted to, but that C. diffusa's new North American neighbors have not. A large number of early studies demonstrated strong potential allelopathic effects of exotic invasive plants; however, most of this work rests on controversial methodology. Nevertheless, during the last 15 years, methodological approaches have improved. Allelopathic effects have been tested on native species, allelochemicals have been tested in varying resource conditions, models have been used to estimate comparisons of resource and allelopathic effects, and experimental techniques have been used to ameliorate chemical effects. We do not recommend allelopathy as a `unifying theory' for plant interactions, nor do we espouse the view that allelopathy is the dominant way that plants interact, but we argue that non-resource mechanisms should be returned to the discussion table as a potential mechanism for explaining the remarkable success of some invasive species. Ecologists should consider the possibility that resource and non-resource mechanisms may work simultaneously, but vary in their relative importance depending on the ecological context in which they are studied. One such context might be exotic plant invasion.     

Propagule pressure and native community connectivity interact to influence invasion success in metacommunities

Mechanistic insights from invasion biology indicate that propagule pressure of exotic species and native community structure can independently influence establishment success. The role of native community connectivity via species dispersal and its potential interaction with propagule pressure on invasion success in metacommunities, however, remains unknown. Native community connectivity may increase biotic resistance to invasion by enhancing species richness and evenness, but the effects could depend upon the level of propagule pressure. In this study, a mesocosm experiment was used to evaluate the independent and combined effects of exotic propagule pressure and native community connectivity on invasion success. The effects of three levels of exotic Daphnia lumholtzi propagule pressure on establishment success, community structure and ecosystem attributes were evaluated in native zooplankton communities connected by species dispersal versus unconnected communities, and relative to a control without native species. Establishment of the exotic species exhibited a propagule dose‐dependent relationship with high levels of propagule pressure resulting in the greatest establishment success. Native community connectivity, however, effectively reduced establishment at the low level of propagule pressure and further augmented native species richness across propagule pressure treatments. Propagule pressure largely determined the negative impacts of the exotic species on native species richness, native biomass and edible producer biomass. The results highlight that native community connectivity can reduce invasion success at a low propagule dose and decrease extinction risk of native competitors, but high propagule pressure can overcome connectivity‐mediated biotic resistance to influence establishment and impact of the exotic species. Together, the results emphasize the importance of the interaction of propagule pressure and community connectivity as a regulator of invasion success, and argue for the maintenance of metacommunity connectivity to confer invasion resistance.     

Invasion success and threat status: two sides of a different coin?

The characteristics possessed by invasive species have been suggested to be the reverse of those possessed by species threatened with extinction, such that relationships of species’ traits to invasion success should be opposite in sign to relationships of the same traits to extinction threat. A recent study (Jeschke, J. M. and Strayer, D. L. 2008. Are threat status and invasion success two sides of the same coin? – Ecography 31: 124–130) found no evidence for this “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis but compared characteristics of species in each taxon that were invasive to a control group consisting of all other species. A different view of the “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis may be obtained if the characters of invasive species are compared to those of a control group consisting of species that have not invaded despite actually being introduced. Here, we show that changing the control group for comparison with invasive species does not change the lack of support for the “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis but does change views about which specific traits are consistent with the hypothesis.