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When similarities matter more than differences: a reply to Wilson et al.

Authors :
Benjamin D. Hoffmann
Franck Courchamp
Source :
NeoBiota, Vol 31, Iss , Pp 99-104 (2016)
Publication Year :
2016
Publisher :
Pensoft Publishers, 2016.

Abstract

In our recent Discussion paper, we presented our view that the only real distinction between biological invasions and natural colonisations is the human element. We agree that invasion science is a very important science, not only to better understand the role that human mediation plays for colonisation, but also for many other science fields. We agree with all invasion researchers that the human influence can result in spectacular differences, including in rates of species movement, rates of successful colonisation, the particular species being moved, the biogeography of dispersal pathways and rates of any resulting ecological disturbance and biodiversity loss. Our deep point is that that species dispersed by human-mediation or natural colonisation are all subject to the same basic laws and rules of ecology, identical to many other phenomenon that occur naturally and can be greatly influenced by people. The human dimension is merely a mechanistic distinction, albeit important because it exposes insights about the colonisation process that cannot be seen by the study of natural colonisations alone. We provide 10 hypotheses that can be scientifically tested to determine whether biological invasions and natural colonisations are two separate processes or the same process being influenced by different mechanisms.

Subjects

Subjects :
Biology (General)
QH301-705.5

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13142488 and 16190033
Volume :
31
Issue :
99-104
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
NeoBiota
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b020e35e38d34b588965ef23ee72f671
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.31.10290