Introduced Species

An introduced species can be defined as a species that is living outside of its natural distribution range whether it has arrived there by accidental or intentional means. A subcategory of introduced species is an invasive species which is a non-native species that adversely affects an environment or habitat when introduced. More specifically, these species disrupt the balance of natural resources and can have an impact on the environment's biodiversity. However, not all introduced species have a negative effect on the habitats into which they are relocated but can potentially have beneficial relationships with the new environment. Studies suggest that the highest number of introduced species will occur in the polar regions as species seek cooler climates in response to rising sea temperatures. The polar regions are also the areas in which the highest number of native species extinction is predicted to occur. This is a prime example of how an increase in competition can cause a species to be eliminated as resources are competed for, and how introduced species have a higher potential for adaptation.

The issue of climate change can have a large impact in the area of introduced species as species migrate to adapt to an increased temperature in their native environment. It is suggested that introduced species will become even more dominant as climate change continues to occur because introduced species have been proven to have a greater capacity to adapt. Thus, they have a greater potential to evolve and adapt to a multitude of environments and may be more fit than native species. This is briefly discussed in this article from Harvard magazine:

http://harvardmagazine.com/harvard-in-the-news/climate-change-benefits-invasive-species

This potential for introduced species dominance in new environments is also discussed in detail in this journal publication:

http://www.imedea.uib-csic.es/master/cambioglobal/Modulo_3_02/tema%2012-invasoras/globalchangealiens.pdf

Climate change has caused the American lobster to relocate to higher latitudes in search of cooler water. This water contains more dissolved oxygen that the lobster requires to survive. As it moves northward, it has the potential to become an introduced species as it interacts with the new environments to which it migrates. It will most likely survive well in these new environments as a result of a depletion of cod, a natural predator of lobster, and new optimal conditions for lobster reproduction.

http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/effects_on_ocean_animals.php