Chapter 30, Problem 1BYB

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The reason the biotic potentials of exotic species are often higher than those of native species.

Introduction:

The species which multiply, increase, and continue to survive to the harmful environmental condition are introduced newly. Such species are known as exotic species or invasive species (non-native species).

Explanation of Solution

Biotic potential is defined as the upper limit capability of any organism or individual of species to reproduce under most favorable environmental conditions. The conditions such as limited food sources, predation, and diseases may be the limiting factors of biotic potential.

The exotic species causes the damages to the local population by increasing the competition and predation. The exotic species extensively feed on the food resources of the existing species, which can affect the survival of native species.

The following list provides the reasons for the higher biotic potential than that of native species.

• The exotic species may cause reduction of food sources for the native species.
• The exotic species may modify and degrade natural ecosystem services such as pollination.
• The consumption of exotic species as food by the native species brings about considerable resource loss for native species.

As the exotic species causes the degradation of the resources, the number of the native species decline. This declination in the native species extensively increases in number of exotic species cause the higher biotic potential of the exotic species.

Conclusion

Thus, the biotic potentials of exotic species are often higher than those of native species because the exotic species decrease the survival of native species.