The key difference between exotic and invasive species is that exotic species refer to species that are not native to a particular ecosystem or geographical area, whereas invasive species are exotic species that, once introduced to a new habitat, establish themselves rapidly and spread aggressively, often causing ecological and economic harm.
“Exotic” and “invasive” are terms used in the context of species and ecosystems, particularly when referring to the introduction of species outside their native range.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Exotic Species
3. What are Invasive Species
4. Similarities – Exotic and Invasive Species
5. Exotic vs. Invasive Species in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Exotic vs. Invasive Species
What are Exotic Species?
Exotic species could be defined as any organism that happens to live outside its natural distribution range as a consequence of anthropogenic activity, or activities through a deliberate or accidental introduction to a new habitat. The primary understanding of an exotic species is that it is non-native or non-indigenous in its new location. Exotic species are also known as alien species.
An exotic species could be a plant, an animal, or a bacterium. Since it is related to the distribution range of a particular species, an exotic species in one place would not be exotic to another. In fact, a native species of one particular habitat could become an exotic species in another. However, there are many ways of occurring exotic species in a particular area, ecosystem, or habitat; deliberate introduction could take place as a means of agricultural or livestock production and controlling pest or nuisance species.
Figure 01: Exotic Species
Alien species are capable of successfully competing for natural resources with native species, mostly due to the lack of natural predators in the new habitat, and they could become invasive if reproduction takes place. There are situations in which biodiversity and bio-productivity have increased after the introduction of exotic species into natural habitats; the introduction of some exotic plant species from North America to New Zealand has been beneficial for the vegetation and biodiversity of the particular habitat. However, in many places around the world, exotic species have not been friendly to the environment and have become invasive.
What are Invasive Species?
Invasive species have been a major problem for the environment, ecology, and economy in many places. According to the definition, an exotic species becomes invasive when the population starts to increase through reproduction, facilitated by the absence of natural enemies in the new habitat. It is a sequential process involving several steps, beginning with introduction, survival, reproduction, thriving, and invading.
Figure 02: Invasive Species
After an exotic species is introduced into a new habitat deliberately or accidentally, the already established ecological niches may exert pressure on it. If the exotic species manages to survive, its ability to compete for resources and the potential for reproduction become crucial factors. Introduced species often exhibit a high capability to successfully compete, as there are no natural competitors or enemies. Once they begin to breed, the population grows rapidly, leading to thriving and dominance, resulting in the invasion of the environment.
This can pose significant problems for naturally evolved ecosystems, as native species face spatial and resource crises. The ecosystem loses its delicate balance of energy flow, leading to detrimental effects that can impact agriculture and other human-related activities. Therefore, the introduction of exotic species should be carefully considered, as the consequences can be severe.
What are the Similarities Between Exotic and Invasive Species?
- Both exotic and invasive species are not native to the ecosystems where they are found.
- Both types of species have the potential to impact the ecology, biodiversity, and ecosystems of the areas they invade.
What is the Difference Between Exotic and Invasive Species?
Exotic species refer to species that are not native to a particular ecosystem or geographical area, whereas invasive species are exotic species that, once introduced to a new habitat, establish themselves rapidly and spread aggressively, often causing ecological and economic harm. Thus, this is the key difference between exotic and invasive species.
Both exotic and invasive species are non-native species present in a specific area, but exotic species may or may not elicit concerns, whereas invasive species invariably give rise to significant concerns on various fronts. Moreover, exotic species can exist in either wild or captive environments, transitioning to invasive status in the wild. In addition, exotic species may or may not encounter natural competitors and enemies, whereas invasive species face no such barriers.
Below is a summary of the difference between exotic and invasive species in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Exotic vs. Invasive Species
The key difference between exotic and invasive species is that exotic species refer to species that are not native to a particular ecosystem or geographical area, whereas invasive species are exotic species that, once introduced to a new habitat, establish themselves rapidly and spread aggressively, often causing ecological and economic harm.
Reference:
1. “Introduced species.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Invasive species.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Wheat-haHula-ISRAEL” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikipedia
2. “Kudzu on trees in Atlanta, Georgia” By Scott Ehardt – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikipedia