Introduced species, as a biological process, refers to the human-mediated translocation and establishment of organisms outside their native geographic ranges, thereby altering biotic community composition and ecosystem dynamics. This process involves transport (intentional or accidental), release or escape, survival, and reproduction in the recipient environment, often bypassing natural dispersal barriers. Once established, introduced species may undergo rapid ecological and evolutionary responses, including niche shifts, adaptation to novel conditions, and altered interaction networks (e.g., predation, competition, mutualism). The process of species introduction can drive changes in community structure, energy flow, and biogeochemical cycles, and in some cases leads to biological invasions with significant impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
White storks (Ciconia ciconia) are a majestic bird with a two-meter wingspan and an enormous circular nest.
Plants & Animals
Jun 5, 2026
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109
Non-native wall lizards living in Cincinnati, Ohio, have thrived against the odds thanks to an ability to expand their population more quickly than any inbreeding-amplified harmful genes could weaken their chances for survival, ...
Ecology
May 30, 2026
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29
Snakes are threatened with extinction in many places around the globe. Disease, often caused by parasites or fungi, is thought to be one of the key factors alongside habitat destruction. Prominent among fungal diseases is ...
Ecology
May 26, 2026
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31
The sight of a saltwater crocodile basking on a mudbank is one of the most iconic and intimidating images of northern Australia. Yet the crocodiles that inhabit the region today are just the survivors of a much richer and ...
Paleontology & Fossils
May 20, 2026
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120
Being a single mother of 20 is no joke, especially if the survival of a whole species depends on it. A queen bumblebee faces this very challenge when she lays her first eggs in the spring: She is utterly alone, with no worker ...
Plants & Animals
May 18, 2026
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30
Examining the movements of vessels between locations helped to predict where an invasive seaweed spread, researchers led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) have revealed. Invasive Caulerpa species (Caulerpa ...
Ecology
May 11, 2026
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Mounds of slimy carcasses pile up on a riverbank in Jakarta where authorities are fighting an uphill battle against a fast-breeding invasive fish flourishing in Java island's heavily polluted waterways.
Ecology
May 7, 2026
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Biological invasions occur when organisms such as animals and plants are introduced by people to regions of the world where they do not naturally occur. In these new locations, these organisms are referred to as "alien species."
Plants & Animals
May 5, 2026
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10
We know introduced honeybees as the ever-busy helpers of our gardens, farms and orchards.
Ecology
May 4, 2026
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8
Scientists at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, CSIRO Darwin Laboratories and La Trobe University have identified key ecological needs of Caladenia formosa (elegant spider-orchid) ...
Plants & Animals
Apr 27, 2026
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