Biological invasions and the conservation of biodiversity.

摘要: Consideration of definitions 'biological invasion' and 'biodiversity' shows why invasions have recently generated great interest among conservationists. Many studies show that invasion numbers increased drastically over the last five centuries, this exponential increase is not levelling off, human activities are only reason for phenomenon. mechanisms portrayed in an evolutionary framework their consequences biodiversity described at three levels life--gene, species ecosystem. Examples from islands insular ecosystems especially prone to damage invasions; they also serve as 'laboratories' elucidate nature impacts. An important management approach--eradication--is discussed. Eradicating invaders aids understanding impacts on native but how function. In fact, biological can be seen 'experiments', providing a rare opportunity help answer certain fundamental scientific questions.