Where Do Camels Belong?: The story and science of invasive species

摘要: Thompson is a prominent member of the anti-invasion biology camp, signatory to manifesto by Davis et al. (2011) and senior author (1995) arguing that invasive native plants do not differ in any categorical way. So it no surprise his widely ranging book on species—both animals—opens with assertion ‘‘the vast majority [of introduced species] harm at all or are positively useful’’ (p. 6). The rest melange interesting facts historical biogeography natural history particular species, attacks invasion management as an irrational, futile attempt freeze dynamic biosphere, suggestions entire field is, if outright conspiracy, least nefarious coalition biologists seeking funding for their research, conservationists willing abet them order further own cause without having justify specific goals, popular scientific press eager publicize this questionable research because readers excited talk ‘‘aliens’’ threatening ‘‘natives.’’ This similar claim made Theodoropoulos (2003) Invasion Biology—Critique Pseudoscience, dismissed paranoid diatribe. Many may be inclined toss Camels into wastebasket when they reach section entitled ‘‘Follow Money’’ Chapter 2. would mistake. Although embeds unqualified undefended general assertions every chapter, numerous nuggets compensate potential apoplexy experience. And challenge rebut many claims. 1, instance, consists fast geological earth relates broad patterns biogeographic ranges, heavy emphasis Pleistocene glaciations very early anthropogenic non-anthropogenic dispersal animals. Presented effort emphasize earth’s dynamism support there’s nothing special about people introducing species deliberately accidentally, cases include well-known examples like collared dove honeybees, but also more obscure tree bumblebee Great Britain amphisbaenians both sides Atlantic. main message summarized 11, ‘‘Five myths invasions.’’ These are, Thompson’s view, (1) alien reduce biodiversity ecosystem function, (2) aliens cost us fortune, (3) always blame, (4) out get us, (5) bad, natives good. Any reader Biological Invasions will familiar some published arguments swirling around (1), (2), (5). Suffice say that, each case, D. Simberloff (&) Department Ecology Evolutionary Biology, University Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA e-mail: dsimberloff@utk.edu