Understanding the role of air pollution in species invasions
Porter E and Blett T. 2005. Understanding the role of air pollution in species invasions. Park Science. 23(2):6
The Fall 2004 issue of Park Science (volume 22, number 2) provided an excellent overview of the invasive species crisis now facing the National Park Service (NPS). The cover article and the accompanying features and short articles combined to tell a compelling story about this “biological wildfire” and its implications for native biodiversity and natural ecosystems. As many of the authors pointed out, biological invasions constitute one of the most significant threats to terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems, with the potential for changing the very character of the parks we treasure. The articles discussed the many factors that encourage invasives, including habitat disturbance, breakdown of natural barriers, and intentional or accidental introductions. As biologists with the NPS Air Resources Division, we would also like to highlight the role of air pollution in biological invasions, particularly plant invasions.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Porter, E.; Blett, T.
- Units
- ARD
- Keywords
- ARD_Park-Air-Info_Collection, Deposition, Nitrogen