Published

Site: North Temperate Lakes LTER

Credit: NTL LTER

Long term pre-invasion records provide an essential baseline for understanding invasive species effects, which can have profound consequences for ecosystems and society. In a key example, the spiny water flea invaded Lake Mendota, leading to massive declines in water quality and a loss in ecosystem services valued at $140 million.

For Further Reading:
  • Hansen, GJA et al. 2013. Are rapid transitions between invasive and native species caused by alternative stable states, and does it matter? Ecology. doi: 10.1890/13-0093.1
  • Walsh, JR et al. 2016. Invasive species triggers a massive loss of ecosystem services through a trophic cascade. PNAS. doi: 10.1073/ pnas.1600366113
For Further Info:
  • Emily Stanley
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