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Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity

A study by researchers from the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh finds that high deer populations facilitate garlic mustard population explosion while suppressing native trillium plants. Deer exclusion reversed invasive species growth, supporting an ecological theory where native plants exert biotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2014

Different recipes for success in the world of plants

Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 4, 2012

Are invasive plants a threat to native biodiversity? It depends on the spatial scale

A meta-analysis found that invasive plant species cause large losses in biodiversity at small scales but have a negligible impact at broader scales. This contradicts the common view of invasive plants as major threats to native biodiversity. The study suggests that the effect of invasive plants on native species extinctions decreases w...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 8, 2011

Invasive plants can create positive ecological change

A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 10, 2011

Home and away: How do invasive plant species dominate native species?

A global collaboration found that invasive plant species have similar or lower abundance at introduced versus native sites, challenging the 'abundance assumption'. This study used standardized protocols across over 60 sites worldwide to collect population and community data, providing a new approach to address critical ecological issues.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 1, 2011

Attack of the invasive garden ants

Research reveals invasive garden ants have already established widely in Europe, with potential for further infestations. The ants' dispersal strategy and originators were found to be limited, suggesting many more infestations may remain undiscovered.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 25, 2008

Freshwater fish invasions the result of human activity

A new study reveals that human economic activity is a primary driver of invasive fish species in rivers and lakes. The research found no correlation between native species and invasive species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 4, 2008