What is the difference between ” non-native ” and “invasive ” species?
A non-native species is simply one that has been introduced to an area in which it was not historically present. This introduction can be either intentionally, such as the introduction of a beetle to eat aphids destroying crops, or unintentionally through various means such as ballast water. A non-native species would also include species native to North America that have been introduced to areas outside their usual ranges within the country, such as the Coho Salmon which is native to the west coast of the U.S., but has since been introduced to the Great Lakes. Non-native species are also known as non-indigenous, alien or exotic species. Studying non-indigenous organisms is important if we are to determine what effects they may have on the native organisms and the environment.An invasive species is a non-indigenous species that when introduced causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
