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Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77 (3): 411-437, 2004
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Disruption of ecosystem processes in western North America by invasive species
JEFFREY S. DUKES & HAROLD A. MOONEY
Many ecosystems of western North America have been dramatically changed by non- native species. Here, we review ecological impacts of 56 plant, animal, fungus, and protest species that were brought to this region by humans. We discuss characteristics of invasive species that can lead to major ecosystem impacts, and explore how invasive species alter many different attributes of ecosystems. Specifically, we include examples of invasive species that affect geomorphology, fire regimes, hydrology, microclimate, atmospheric composition, nutrient cycling, and productivity. Finally, we review the direct consequences of biological invasions for some native species. We summarize examples from this paper in Appendix 1. Our examples illustrate how, as invasive species have become dominant across large areas of western North America’s grassland, shrubland, dune, riparian, and estuarine ecosystems, the properties and functioning of these systems have changed. To date, some systems in this region, such as its forests, remain relatively unaffected by invasive species. However, recent attacks of forest pathogens highlight the potential vulnerability of these ecosystems.
Key words:
biological invasions, ecosystem functioning, community structure, exotic species, impact

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