Friday, May 4, 2007

Odd Guy Out - Introducing New Species


In episode 16, season 6 of the Simpsons, ("Bart vs. Australia"), Bart brings his pet toad to Australia. As the dysfunctional family escapes the grasp of the angry Australians, they happily note the destruction caused by the massively reproducing toad on the Australian ecology (which is quickly followed by a quick view of an ominous koala bear attached to the exterior of the plane).

This is actually a reference to the introduction of the cane toad to Australia. Introducing a new species into an ecosystem that has never seen the likes of its kind can be disasterous. This is because there are often no predators to keep populations in check. Also, the new species can rapidly consume and/or alter the biotic and abiotic resources of the ecosystem if they are suitable.

A closer to home example is the Emerald Ash Borer. In June, 2002, it was discovered in Canton, Michigan. The normal range of the ash borer is eastern Russia and northern China. It is believed the beetle managed to hitch hike its way over on a shipment of contanimated wood. The beetle is so named because it likes to 'bore' into ash trees to lay its eggs, and its emerald in colour. How about that, an animal named for what it looks like!

The beetle has devastated ash trees in Michigan, and recently it has been found in London. The City of London website has hosted a faq that answers many questions you might have about how bad it is, and what they're doing about it.

Research and find 3 other examples of accidentally (or purposely) introduced species in North America that have had a negative effect on the environment. Explain in your blog how they have affected the ecosystem they were introduced to and explain any efforts on the part of humans on how they have attempted to control the introduced species.

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