Community Community InteractionsInteractions

Forest of New GuineaForest of New Guinea

Community includes nine species of Community includes nine species of

pigeons that partition the food supplypigeons that partition the food supply

Pigeons disperse seeds of the trees that Pigeons disperse seeds of the trees that

provide their food (fruit)provide their food (fruit)

These are just a few of the many These are just a few of the many

interactions that shape this communityinteractions that shape this community

New Guinea Crowned PigeonNew Guinea Crowned Pigeon

www.worldwildlife.org/newguinea/spec_pigeons.cfm

Map of New GuineaMap of New Guinea

New Guinea is an Island north of New Guinea is an Island north of Australia Australia www.worldwildlife.orgwww.worldwildlife.org

Community Community

All the populations that live together in a All the populations that live together in a

habitathabitat

Habitat is the type of place where Habitat is the type of place where

individuals of a species typically live individuals of a species typically live

Type of habitat shapes a community’s Type of habitat shapes a community’s

structurestructure

CommunitiesCommunities

Don’t confuse meanings of Don’t confuse meanings of “community”“community”

Factors Shaping Factors Shaping Community StructureCommunity Structure

Climate and topographyClimate and topography

Available foods and resourcesAvailable foods and resources

Adaptations of species in communityAdaptations of species in community

Species interactionsSpecies interactions

Arrival and disappearance of species Arrival and disappearance of species

Physical disturbancesPhysical disturbances

NicheNiche

Sum of activities and relationships in Sum of activities and relationships in

which a species engages to secure which a species engages to secure

and use resources necessary for and use resources necessary for

survival and reproductionsurvival and reproduction

Realized & Realized & Fundamental NichesFundamental Niches

Fundamental niche Fundamental niche – Theoretical niche occupied in the Theoretical niche occupied in the

absence of any competing speciesabsence of any competing species

Realized niche Realized niche – Niche a species actually occupiesNiche a species actually occupies

Realized niche is some fraction of the Realized niche is some fraction of the fundamental nichefundamental niche

Species InteractionsSpecies Interactions

Most interactions are neutral; have Most interactions are neutral; have

no effect on either speciesno effect on either species

Commensalism helps one species Commensalism helps one species

and has no effect on the otherand has no effect on the other

Mutualism helps both speciesMutualism helps both species

CommensalismCommensalism

The commensal shrimp The commensal shrimp Periclimenes Periclimenes imperatorimperator on on Chromodoris tinctoriaChromodoris tinctoria, , Koumac, New Koumac, New Caledonia, Oct, 1993.Caledonia, Oct, 1993.

www.seaslugforum.newww.seaslugforum.nett

Photo: Bill Rudman. Photo: Bill Rudman.

MutualismMutualism

From: Essentials of Oceanography, 4th ed. 1993.

Clownfish and Sea Anemone

Species InteractionsSpecies Interactions

Interspecific competition has a Interspecific competition has a

negative effect on both speciesnegative effect on both species

Predation and parasitism both Predation and parasitism both

benefit one species at a cost to benefit one species at a cost to

anotheranother

AlligatorAlligator

Parasite “Cattle Tick”Parasite “Cattle Tick”

www.biosci.ohio-state.edu

SymbiosisSymbiosis

Living together for at least some part Living together for at least some part

of the life cycleof the life cycle

Commensalism, mutualism, and Commensalism, mutualism, and

parasitism are forms of symbiosisparasitism are forms of symbiosis

MutualismMutualism

Both species benefitBoth species benefit

Many examples in natureMany examples in nature

Some mutualisms are obligatory; Some mutualisms are obligatory;

partners depend upon each otherpartners depend upon each other

Yucca and Yucca MothYucca and Yucca Moth

Example of an obligatory mutualismExample of an obligatory mutualism

Each species of yucca is pollinated Each species of yucca is pollinated

only by one species of mothonly by one species of moth

Moth larvae can grow only in that Moth larvae can grow only in that

one species of yuccaone species of yucca

Yucca Moth CaterpillarYucca Moth Caterpillar

www.bobjensenphtography.com

MycorrhizaeMycorrhizae

Obligatory mutualism between Obligatory mutualism between

fungus and plant rootfungus and plant root

Fungus supplies mineral ions to rootFungus supplies mineral ions to root

Root supplies sugars to fungusRoot supplies sugars to fungus

Laccaria bicolor basidioma Laccaria bicolor basidioma developing on a Pinus strobus developing on a Pinus strobus

seedling under controlled seedling under controlled environment. environment.

Andre Fortin, author

CompetitionCompetition

Interspecific - between speciesInterspecific - between species

Intraspecific - between members of the Intraspecific - between members of the

same speciessame species

Intraspecific competition is most intenseIntraspecific competition is most intense

River Otters Avoid Each Other River Otters Avoid Each Other Thus Reducing Intraspecific Thus Reducing Intraspecific

CompetitionCompetition

www.sms.si.edu

Forms of CompetitionForms of Competition

Competitors may have equal access Competitors may have equal access

to a resource; compete to exploit to a resource; compete to exploit

resource more effectivelyresource more effectively

One competitor may be able to One competitor may be able to

control access to a resource, to control access to a resource, to

exclude othersexclude others

Elephants Exclude CompetitorsElephants Exclude Competitors

www.save-the-elephants.org

Competitive Exclusion PrincipleCompetitive Exclusion Principle

When two species compete for When two species compete for

identical resources, one will be more identical resources, one will be more

successful and will eventually successful and will eventually

eliminate the othereliminate the other

Competitive Exclusion ExptCompetitive Exclusion Expt

Paramecium caudatum

Paramecium aurelia

Keystone SpeciesKeystone Species

A species that can dictate A species that can dictate

community structurecommunity structure

Removal of a keystone species can Removal of a keystone species can

cause drastic changes in a cause drastic changes in a

community; can increase or decrease community; can increase or decrease

diversity diversity

Lubchenco ExperimentLubchenco Experiment

Tidepools Rocks exposed at high tide

Periwinkles promote or limit diversity in different habitats

Resource PartitioningResource Partitioning

Apparent competitors Apparent competitors

may actually have may actually have

slightly different nichesslightly different niches

Species may use Species may use

resources in a different resources in a different

way or time way or time

Minimizes competition Minimizes competition

and allows coexistenceand allows coexistence

PredationPredation

Predators are animals that feed on other Predators are animals that feed on other

living organismsliving organisms

Predators are free-living; they do not Predators are free-living; they do not

take up residence on their preytake up residence on their prey

CoevolutionCoevolution

Natural selection promotes traits that Natural selection promotes traits that

help prey escape predationhelp prey escape predation

It also promotes traits that make It also promotes traits that make

predators more successful at predators more successful at

capturing preycapturing prey

Predator-Prey CyclesPredator-Prey Cycles

Predator and prey populations may Predator and prey populations may show an apparent correspondenceshow an apparent correspondence

PREY POPULATION

PREDATOR POPULATION

Variation in CyclesVariation in Cycles

An association in predator and prey An association in predator and prey

abundance does not always indicate abundance does not always indicate

a cause and effect relationshipa cause and effect relationship

Variations in food supply and Variations in food supply and

additional predators may also additional predators may also

influence changes in prey abundanceinfluence changes in prey abundance

Prey DefensesPrey Defenses

CamouflageCamouflage

Warning colorationWarning coloration

MimicryMimicry

Moment-of-truth defensesMoment-of-truth defenses

Predator ResponsesPredator Responses

Any adaptation that protects prey Any adaptation that protects prey

may select for predators that can may select for predators that can

overcome that adaptationovercome that adaptation

Prey adaptations include stealth, Prey adaptations include stealth,

camouflage, and ways to avoid camouflage, and ways to avoid

chemical repellentschemical repellents

ParasitismParasitism

Parasites drain nutrients from their Parasites drain nutrients from their

hosts and live on or in their bodieshosts and live on or in their bodies

Natural selection favors parasites that Natural selection favors parasites that

do not kill their host too quicklydo not kill their host too quickly

Types of ParasitesTypes of Parasites

Microparasites Microparasites

Macroparasites Macroparasites

Social parasites Social parasites

ParasitoidsParasitoids

Micro and MacroparasitesMicro and Macroparasites

Human tapeworm Trypanosome, malaria

Social ParasitesSocial ParasitesOnce limited to grasslands, brown - headed cowbirds have extended their Once limited to grasslands, brown - headed cowbirds have extended their

range to all 48 contiguous states and Canada. They are a major threat to range to all 48 contiguous states and Canada. They are a major threat to songbirds.songbirds.

“Of 220 species known to have been parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 144 have raised young Brown-headed Cowbirds successfully.”

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bfl/speciesaccts/parasites.html

ParasitoidsParasitoids

Chemical communication: Butterfly Chemical communication: Butterfly anti-aphrodisiac lures parasitic anti-aphrodisiac lures parasitic

waspswaspsMale butterflies of the genus, Male butterflies of the genus, PierisPieris, pass an , pass an

anti-aphrodisiac during mating to females.anti-aphrodisiac during mating to females.

This chemical, benzyl cyanide, renders the This chemical, benzyl cyanide, renders the mated females less attractive to other mated females less attractive to other males.males.

This strategy tends to maximize the mating This strategy tends to maximize the mating males chances of getting their genes into males chances of getting their genes into the next generation.the next generation.

Or so it was thought….Or so it was thought….

The Butterfly and its Parasitoid, The Butterfly and its Parasitoid, WaspWasp

The Wasp highjacks the Sexual The Wasp highjacks the Sexual Communication Signal of the Communication Signal of the

ButterflyButterflyThe female wasps are attracted to the The female wasps are attracted to the

anti-aphrodisiac of the mated female anti-aphrodisiac of the mated female butterflies. butterflies.

Often they will hitch a ride on the Often they will hitch a ride on the female butterfly.female butterfly.

When butterfly lays her eggs, the wasp When butterfly lays her eggs, the wasp inserts her egg into the butterfly egg.inserts her egg into the butterfly egg.

The larval wasp eats its host alive.The larval wasp eats its host alive.

A Serve Limitation on the Butterfly PopulationsA Serve Limitation on the Butterfly Populations

This parasitism constrains the the butterfly This parasitism constrains the the butterfly populations.populations.

““If this fascinating strategy is wide spread in If this fascinating strategy is wide spread in nature, it could severely constrain the nature, it could severely constrain the evolution of evolution of

sexual communicationsexual communication between hosts.” between hosts.” The wasp is tiny (.5 mm)The wasp is tiny (.5 mm)It is located below the eyeIt is located below the eyeOf the butterfly.Of the butterfly.

NATURE|VOL433|17 FEBRUARY 2005| page 704

Bloodsucking leech spends Bloodsucking leech spends month up Hong Kong hiker's month up Hong Kong hiker's

nosenoseHONG KONG (AFP) - A Hong Kong HONG KONG (AFP) - A Hong Kong

woman hiker who washed her face in woman hiker who washed her face in a freshwater stream a freshwater stream unwittinglyunwittingly returned home with a leech returned home with a leech embedded in her left nostril. embedded in her left nostril.

“Doctors finally managed to remove it using a nasal spray to anaesthetise the five-centimetre-long (two-inch) bloodsucker a month after it had invaded her nostril.” 4/15/05

SuccessionSuccession

Change in the composition of species Change in the composition of species

over timeover time

Types of SuccessionTypes of Succession

Primary succession - new Primary succession - new

environments environments

Secondary succession - Secondary succession -

communities were destroyed communities were destroyed

or displacedor displaced

Primary SuccessionPrimary Succession

Sterile lava converted to a mature ecosystem overtime….

Secondary SuccessionSecondary Succession

Over time, old fields are gradually and naturally converted to mature and healthy forests….example: Westminster’s forests.

Pioneer SpeciesPioneer Species

Species that colonize barren habitatsSpecies that colonize barren habitats

Lichens, small plants with brief life Lichens, small plants with brief life

cyclescycles

Improve conditions for other species Improve conditions for other species

who then replace themwho then replace them

Climax CommunityClimax Community

Stable array of species that persists Stable array of species that persists

relatively unchanged over timerelatively unchanged over time

Succession does not always move Succession does not always move

predictably toward a specific climax predictably toward a specific climax

community; other stable community; other stable

communities may persistcommunities may persist

Cyclic ChangesCyclic Changes

Cyclic, nondirectional changes also Cyclic, nondirectional changes also

shape community structureshape community structure

Tree falls cause local patchiness in Tree falls cause local patchiness in

tropical foreststropical forests

Fires periodically destroy underbrush Fires periodically destroy underbrush

in sequoia forestsin sequoia forests

Restoration EcologyRestoration Ecology

Natural restoration of a damaged Natural restoration of a damaged

community can take a very long timecommunity can take a very long time

Active restoration is an attempt to Active restoration is an attempt to

reestablish biodiversity in an area reestablish biodiversity in an area

Ecologists are actively working to Ecologists are actively working to

restore reefs, grasslands, and restore reefs, grasslands, and

wetlandswetlands

Restoration EcologyRestoration Ecology

http://www.planetdrum.org/toc.htm

Community InstabilityCommunity Instability

Disturbances can cause a community Disturbances can cause a community

to change in ways that persist even if to change in ways that persist even if

the change is reversedthe change is reversed

Species IntroductionsSpecies Introductions

Introduction of a nonindigenous Introduction of a nonindigenous

species can decimate a communityspecies can decimate a community

No natural enemies or controlsNo natural enemies or controls

Can outcompete native speciesCan outcompete native species

Santa Cruz Fox and Feral PigsSanta Cruz Fox and Feral Pigs

Species interactions

Exotic SpeciesExotic Species

Species that has left its home range Species that has left its home range

and become established elsewhereand become established elsewhere

Becomes part of its new communityBecomes part of its new community

Can have beneficial, neutral, or harmful Can have beneficial, neutral, or harmful

effects on a communityeffects on a community

Don’t Worry About the Walking Don’t Worry About the Walking Catfish!Catfish!

3.1 meter Burmese Python, Everglades NP

Predators in Paradise Predators in Paradise

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, Florida (CNN) (10/22/04) EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, Florida (CNN) (10/22/04) -- A dangerous intruder has invaded Everglades -- A dangerous intruder has invaded Everglades National Park, and it's putting the native wildlife at National Park, and it's putting the native wildlife at risk.risk.

Shirt ofmissingcamper!

How Big Do They Get?How Big Do They Get?

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/10/22/predators.in.paradise/science/10/22/predators.in.paradise/

Python Invasion Spawns Cottage Python Invasion Spawns Cottage IndustryIndustry

Python-Tracking Puppy Trains to Python-Tracking Puppy Trains to Patrol EvergladesPatrol Everglades

Stefan LovgrenStefan Lovgrenfor National Geographic Newsfor National Geographic News

February 3, 2005February 3, 2005 In their growing battle against giant In their growing battle against giant

pythons that have invaded the Florida pythons that have invaded the Florida Everglades, national park officials there Everglades, national park officials there have recruited an unlikely ally: a beagle have recruited an unlikely ally: a beagle puppy nicknamed "Python Pete." puppy nicknamed "Python Pete."

Nile MonitorsNile Monitors

““Recently (Sept. 2005) a small Recently (Sept. 2005) a small population of around 1000 Nile population of around 1000 Nile Monitors have begun to rise in the Monitors have begun to rise in the area around Cape Coral Florida. They area around Cape Coral Florida. They are most likely the offspring of a few are most likely the offspring of a few Monitors let free by local pet Monitors let free by local pet owners.”owners.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_monitorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_monitor

Nile MonitorNile Monitor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_monitor

Wis. Considers Legalizing Cat Wis. Considers Legalizing Cat HuntingHunting

Recently in the news (4/15/05)

Wis. Residents Seek Legalized Cat HuntingWis. Residents Seek Legalized Cat Hunting Feral cats, which volunteers have been feeding for Feral cats, which volunteers have been feeding for

the past 10 years, feed in Anoka, Minn., Feb. 21, the past 10 years, feed in Anoka, Minn., Feb. 21, 2005. A new Wisconsin plan would declare free-2005. A new Wisconsin plan would declare free-roaming wild cats an unprotected species, just roaming wild cats an unprotected species, just like skunks or gophers. Anyone with a small-game like skunks or gophers. Anyone with a small-game license could shoot the cats at will, legally. license could shoot the cats at will, legally. The The proposal gets tested April 11 at the Wisconsin Conservation proposal gets tested April 11 at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearings, where outdoor enthusiasts gather in Congress spring hearings, where outdoor enthusiasts gather in

every county to vote on hunting and fishing issues.every county to vote on hunting and fishing issues. (AP Photo/St. Paul Pioneer (AP Photo/St. Paul Pioneer

Press, Joe Rossi)Press, Joe Rossi)

Africanized Killer Flea InvasionAfricanized Killer Flea Invasion

ATLANTA—Panic is spreading among American dog ATLANTA—Panic is spreading among American dog owners, following the Center for Veterinary Medicine's owners, following the Center for Veterinary Medicine's Monday announcement that the arrival of a deadly mutant Monday announcement that the arrival of a deadly mutant strain of Africanized killer fleas is imminent.strain of Africanized killer fleas is imminent.

Crossed Texas Border in 2004Crossed Texas Border in 2004

Bred in Brazil at the Sao Paulo Animal Research Bred in Brazil at the Sao Paulo Animal Research Facility in the late '60s, Facility in the late '60s, Ctenocephalides canis Ctenocephalides canis africanusafricanus is a crossbreed of the common North is a crossbreed of the common North American flea and an African variant that infests American flea and an African variant that infests the tough hides of bull elephants. The Sao Paulo the tough hides of bull elephants. The Sao Paulo entomologists never meant to release the mutant entomologists never meant to release the mutant fleas into the wild, but a 1974 fire at the lab led fleas into the wild, but a 1974 fire at the lab led to the dangerous subspecies' escape. In the past to the dangerous subspecies' escape. In the past 30 years, Africanized fleas spread from Brazil to 30 years, Africanized fleas spread from Brazil to

South and Central America and on to Mexico.South and Central America and on to Mexico.

RED LIONFISHRED LIONFISH

Pterois volitansPterois volitans

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/RedLionfish/RLionfish.html

Accidental Release….Accidental Release…. ““The native distribution of the red lionfish is restricted to The native distribution of the red lionfish is restricted to

appropriate reef habitats of the Indo-Pacific. Recently, a number of appropriate reef habitats of the Indo-Pacific. Recently, a number of specimens of red lionfish have been observed and/or captured off specimens of red lionfish have been observed and/or captured off the eastern coast of the United States in various locales from the eastern coast of the United States in various locales from Florida to New YorkFlorida to New York. Its presence in these waters may stem . Its presence in these waters may stem from the release of captive specimens along the southeast coast from the release of captive specimens along the southeast coast

of the United States.”of the United States.”

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/RedLionfish/RLionfish.html

Endangered SpeciesEndangered Species

A species that is extremely A species that is extremely

vulnerable to extinctionvulnerable to extinction

Close to 70 percent of endangered Close to 70 percent of endangered

species have been negatively species have been negatively

affected by exotic competitorsaffected by exotic competitors

Georgia’s Endangered and Georgia’s Endangered and Threaten PlantsThreaten Plants

Plants -- 22Plants -- 22 StatusListingStatusListingTAmphianthus, little (TAmphianthus, little ( AmphianthusAmphianthus pusilluspusillus

))EERattleweed, hairy (Rattleweed, hairy ( BaptisiaBaptisia arachniferaarachnifera))EEConeflower, Coneflower, smooth (smooth ( Echinacea Echinacea laevigatalaevigata)TPink, swamp ()TPink, swamp ( HeloniasHelonias bullatabullata))EEQuillwort, black spored (Quillwort, black spored ( IsoetesIsoetes melanosporamelanospora))EEQuillwort, Quillwort, mat-forming (mat-forming ( IsoetesIsoetes tegetiformanstegetiformans)TPogonia, small whorled )TPogonia, small whorled (( IsotriaIsotria medeoloidesmedeoloides))EEPondberry (Pondberry ( LinderaLindera melissifoliamelissifolia)TButton, Mohr's Barbara ()TButton, Mohr's Barbara ( MarshalliaMarshallia mohriimohrii))EEDropwort, Dropwort, Canby's (Canby's ( OxypolisOxypolis canbyicanbyi))EEHarperella (Harperella ( PtilimniumPtilimnium nodosumnodosum))EESumac, Michaux's (Sumac, Michaux's ( RhusRhus michauxiimichauxii)TWater-plantain, Kral's )TWater-plantain, Kral's (( SagittariaSagittaria secundifoliasecundifolia))EEPitcher-plant, green ( Pitcher-plant, green ( Sarracenia Sarracenia oreophilaoreophila))EEChaffseed, American ( Chaffseed, American ( Schwalbea Schwalbea americanaamericana))EESkullcap, large-flowered ( Skullcap, large-flowered ( Scutellaria Scutellaria montanamontana))EECampion, fringed ( Campion, fringed ( Silene polypetalaSilene polypetala)TSpiraea, )TSpiraea, Virginia ( Virginia ( Spiraea virginianaSpiraea virginiana))EETorreya, Florida ( Torreya, Florida ( Torreya Torreya taxifoliataxifolia))EETrillium, persistent ( Trillium, persistent ( Trillium Trillium persistenspersistens))EETrillium, relict ( Trillium, relict ( Trillium reliquumTrillium reliquum))EEGrass, Grass, Tennessee yellow-eyed ( Tennessee yellow-eyed ( Xyris tennesseensisXyris tennesseensis))

http://www.endangeredspecie.com/states/ga.htm

Nile Perch in East Africa Nile Perch in East Africa

Nile perch were introduced into Lake Nile perch were introduced into Lake

Victoria as a food sourceVictoria as a food source

This predator ate native cichlids; This predator ate native cichlids;

drove many species to extinctiondrove many species to extinction

Now Nile perch species is close to Now Nile perch species is close to

crashingcrashing

Nile PerchNile Perch

They have put tremendous pressureOn native species.

Nile PerchNile Perch

Food fishFood fish

Rabbits in AustraliaRabbits in Australia

Rabbits were introduced for food and Rabbits were introduced for food and

huntinghunting

Without predators, their numbers Without predators, their numbers

soared soared

Attempts at control using fences or Attempts at control using fences or

viruses have thus far been viruses have thus far been

unsuccessfulunsuccessful

Rabbits in AustraliaRabbits in Australia

Rabbits were huntedRabbits were hunted

Environment minister endorses Environment minister endorses violent means to slow toxic toads' violent means to slow toxic toads'

spread across Australia spread across Australia Campbell endorsed the bloody response Campbell endorsed the bloody response

advocated by the government lawmaker advocated by the government lawmaker who represents Darwin, David Tollner. who represents Darwin, David Tollner. Tollner Tollner created public outrage last created public outrage last week when he said the best way to week when he said the best way to stop the toads' spread was to stop the toads' spread was to bludgeon them on the head with golf bludgeon them on the head with golf clubs or cricket bats as he did as a clubs or cricket bats as he did as a child.child. (Thursday April 14, 9:51 PM AP News)(Thursday April 14, 9:51 PM AP News)

The Response is Mixed…The Response is Mixed…

““Australia's foremost animal welfare Australia's foremost animal welfare agency, the Royal Society for the agency, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, responded by warning that anyone responded by warning that anyone caught causing pain and suffering to caught causing pain and suffering to a cane toad could be fined or jailed. a cane toad could be fined or jailed.

Animal welfare groups say the best Animal welfare groups say the best way to kill them is to freeze them.” way to kill them is to freeze them.”

Cane Toads Native to South and Cane Toads Native to South and Central AmericaCentral America

Cane Toads,the video

A handful of trouble….

Coqui & greenhouse frogs: Coqui & greenhouse frogs: alien Caribbean frogs in Hawaii alien Caribbean frogs in Hawaii

““Non-native Caribbean frogsNon-native Caribbean frogs* have become established in * have become established in some areas in Hawaii (*coqui and greenhouse frogs: some areas in Hawaii (*coqui and greenhouse frogs: EleutherodactylusEleutherodactylus spp. [ spp. [notnot true 'tree frogs', as some have true 'tree frogs', as some have called them]). They cause both called them]). They cause both environmental problemsenvironmental problems and and problems for peopleproblems for people. These creatures have a special . These creatures have a special appeal to some people; however, appeal to some people; however, these frogs these frogs are not native toare not native to Hawaii Hawaii, and their existence in Hawaii , and their existence in Hawaii poses a great poses a great threat to native species in Hawaiithreat to native species in Hawaii . . Although the call of the coqui is often beloved by residents Although the call of the coqui is often beloved by residents of the coqui's native habitat, the of the coqui's native habitat, the extremely loud noiseextremely loud noise they make in Hawaii (presumably louder than in native they make in Hawaii (presumably louder than in native habitats because of higher concentrations of populations) habitats because of higher concentrations of populations) has been reported to be extremely annoying to numerous has been reported to be extremely annoying to numerous Hawaii residents and visitors. (For example, a recent article Hawaii residents and visitors. (For example, a recent article in a health-related magazine cites coqui as causing in a health-related magazine cites coqui as causing sleepless nights on the island of Oahu.)” sleepless nights on the island of Oahu.)” http://www.hear.org/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/species/frogs/#frhttp://www.hear.org/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/species/frogs/#frogcallsogcalls

Coqui chorus …..

Bills Seek to MuffleBills Seek to MuffleIsle Frog Isle Frog

“The frog -- which subsists on the same diet of insects as native birds -- could be the greatest threat to state's ecosystem that anyone has ever seen before, Kim said.”

http://starbulletin.com/2005/02/13/news/story12.html

Cuban Tree Frog Found In Cuban Tree Frog Found In GeorgiaGeorgia

““Butler's capture of a 4½-inch Cuban tree Butler's capture of a 4½-inch Cuban tree frog in coastal Savannah has caused a frog in coastal Savannah has caused a nervous stir among wildlife biologists in nervous stir among wildlife biologists in Georgia and Florida….Georgia and Florida….…Since its discovery in Key West, Fla., in …Since its discovery in Key West, Fla., in the 1920s, the Caribbean frog has been the 1920s, the Caribbean frog has been considered an unwanted predator that considered an unwanted predator that disrupts ecosystems by dining on native disrupts ecosystems by dining on native species - including smaller tree frogs.” species - including smaller tree frogs.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/21/tech/main650682.shtml

Cuban Tree FrogCuban Tree Frog

"They're (a) huge relative to our "They're (a) huge relative to our native frogs," said John Jensen, native frogs," said John Jensen, Georgia's state herpetologist with the Georgia's state herpetologist with the Department of Natural Resources. Department of Natural Resources. "Like pretty much all frogs, "Like pretty much all frogs, they eat they eat anything they can catch and fit anything they can catch and fit in their mouths." in their mouths."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/21/tech/main650682.shtml2004/10/21/tech/main650682.shtml

Picture link

USGS SCIENTISTS FIND NEW USGS SCIENTISTS FIND NEW INVASIVE FISH SPECIES IN INVASIVE FISH SPECIES IN

FLORIDA (Georgia too!)FLORIDA (Georgia too!)

“ “In North America, the species is In North America, the species is sometimes kept as an aquarium fish, sometimes kept as an aquarium fish, although scientists can only although scientists can only speculate that the species may have speculate that the species may have escaped or been released into the escaped or been released into the state's waters. state's waters. In 1995, swamp In 1995, swamp eels were found in several ponds eels were found in several ponds at the Chattahoochee Nature at the Chattahoochee Nature Center north of Atlanta, Ga.”Center north of Atlanta, Ga.”

Asian Swamp EelAsian Swamp Eel

Grow up to 3.5 ft long…

Monopterus albus

“It breathes air and can move across land.  This gives it the potential to spread rapidly and makes control difficult.”

http://cars.er.usgs.gov/Nonindigenous_Species/Swamp_eel_FAQs/swamp_eel_faqs.html

Kudzu in GeorgiaKudzu in Georgia

Imported for erosion controlImported for erosion control No natural herbivores, pathogens, or No natural herbivores, pathogens, or

competitorscompetitors Grows over landscapes and cannot Grows over landscapes and cannot

be dug up or burned outbe dug up or burned out May turn out to have some May turn out to have some

commercial usecommercial use

KudzuKudzu

Poem About Kudzu by James Poem About Kudzu by James DickeyDickey

ALL: ALL: KudzuKudzu Japan invades. Far Eastern vinesJapan invades. Far Eastern vines

Run from the clay banks they areRun from the clay banks they are Supposed to keep from eroding.Supposed to keep from eroding.

Up telephone poles,Up telephone poles,Which rear, half out of leafageWhich rear, half out of leafageAs though they would shriek,As though they would shriek,Like things smothered by their ownLike things smothered by their ownGreen, mindless, unkillable ghosts.Green, mindless, unkillable ghosts.In Georgia, the legend saysIn Georgia, the legend saysThat you must close your windowsThat you must close your windows

At night to keep it out of the house.At night to keep it out of the house.The glass is tinged with green, even so,The glass is tinged with green, even so,

As the tendrils crawl over the fields.As the tendrils crawl over the fields.… and so on …… and so on …

http://www.breakoutofthebox.com/kudzu.htm

Diversity by LatitudeDiversity by Latitude

Diversity of most groups is greatest in Diversity of most groups is greatest in tropics; declines toward polestropics; declines toward poles

Ant diversity

Why Are Tropical Why Are Tropical Species Rich?Species Rich?

Resources are plentiful and reliable Resources are plentiful and reliable

Species diversity is self-reinforcingSpecies diversity is self-reinforcing

Rates of speciation are highest in the Rates of speciation are highest in the

tropicstropics

Distance Effect Distance Effect

The farther an island is from a The farther an island is from a

mainland, the fewer species mainland, the fewer species

Closer islands receive more Closer islands receive more

immigrantsimmigrants

Species that reach islands far from Species that reach islands far from

mainland are adapted for long-mainland are adapted for long-

distance dispersal and can move ondistance dispersal and can move on

Distance EffectDistance Effect