Habitat Fragmentation and Invasive Species SNC1D

Habitat: the natural environment in which an organism lives, included food and shelter

Habitat: the natural environment in which an organism lives, included food and shelter Many organisms lose their habitat to human development (cities, farms, etc.).

Habitat fragmentation: remaining wild areas are divided into smaller parts

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats Size: large blocks support larger and therefore more stable populations and communities

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats Size: large blocks support larger and therefore more stable populations and communities One large block is better than an equal area of smaller blocks.

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats Proximity: the closer areas are to each other, the greater the chance populations will be able to interact

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats Proximity: the closer areas are to each other, the greater the chance populations will be able to interact Wildlife corridors connect areas and further increase the chance of interaction.

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats Integrity: access by roads and trails can increase pollution, hunting, and fishing

Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Habitats

Invasive species: a non-native species whose accidental or intentional introduction has a negative impact on the natural environment

Invasive species: a non-native species whose accidental or intentional introduction has a negative impact on the natural environment Many invasive species have no natural predators in the new ecosystem. The lionfish, with its venomous spines, is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans but was introduced to Florida water.

Impacts of Invasive Species Ecological: invasive species compete with or feed on native species

Impacts of Invasive Species Ecological: invasive species compete with or feed on native species Lionfish stomach contents

Impacts of Invasive Species Economic and Tourism: damage to forests, agricultural areas, and tourist areas

Impacts of Invasive Species Health: disease-causing organisms are introduced

Impacts of Invasive Species Health: disease-causing organisms are introduced

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal Example: the Cootes Paradise fishway

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal Biological: adding more non-native organisms to control the invasive species

Invasive Species Controls Chemical: pesticides Mechanical: physical barriers or removal Biological: adding more non-native organisms to control the invasive species Example: insects released to control purple loosestrife