Successful invaders

Question 1

Two reasons for which select species may be more successful invaders

Answer 1

1 - Some species have more opportunity, and are better suited for dispersal
2 - Some species have traits that make them better colonizers

Question 2

Body-size - brain size paradox

Answer 2

Larger brained individuals tend to be better invaders, but so do individuals with smaller bodies, which is often linked to brain size (ie. birds).

In birds, the size of the brian overrides the effect of body size on invasion success.

Question 3

The smalls rule of invasions

Answer 3

Small-bodied species are disproportionately absent from recorded invasions
- More often ignored!! Don’t recognize when their invasion happens - can’t distinguish to a species level.

Question 4

Why does small seed size make for better invasion?

Answer 4

Small seed size means smaller genome, meaning less energy and time to develop it.
Also lower nuclear DNA

Question 5

Traits of successful invasive plants

Answer 5

• higher leaf area
• smaller seed weight
• lower max height

Question 6

Niche-breadth invasion hypothesis

Answer 6

Generalist species are better invaders because:
- more likely to adapt to new environments
- find the resources they need

Question 7

Abilities of successful invaders (BAGE)

Answer 7

1. Can rapidly build a population from small numbers (high r, asexual)
2. Can adapt quickly to new habitats (generalist)
3. Use + defend key resources more efficiently than natives (aggressive)
4. Exploit anthropogenic and natural dispersal opportunities (disperse rapidly over short distances)