Biological Invasions in Changing Ecosystems

Download or read book Biological Invasions in Changing Ecosystems written by João Canning-Clode and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2015-01-01 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When organisms are deliberately or accidentally introduced into a new ecosystem a biological invasion may take place. These so-called ‘invasive species’ may establish, spread and ecologically alter the invaded community. Biological invasions by animals, plants, pathogens or vectors are one of the greatest environmental and economic threats and, along with habitat destruction, a leading cause of global biodiversity loss. In this book, more than 50 worldwide invasion scientists cover our current understanding of biological invasions, its impacts, patterns and mechanisms in both aquatic and terrestrial systems.