Invasive Species

Invasive species are organisms which have established themselves in pre-existing ecosystems and thrive in their new environment. Invasive Species may cause the extinction of native species and disrupt the current ecosystem.

Genetically altered organisms have added to the controversial topic of Invasive Species. One such altered organism is the North Atlantic salmon. Although not yet considered an invasive species, the threat that such altered fish could pose great troubles to native species. These new genetically altered fish, termed "Frankenfish", could out eat and outcompete smaller wild species for mates and cause their eventual extinction (Friends of The Earth, 1999).

Other genetically altered invasive species include agricultural crops. Bt-Corn has been grown for decades and just recently a correlation between the Monarch Butterfly's health and Bt-corn has been found. Again, the change of genetic material in these crops lead to competition between naturally occurring plants and crops altered by humans. In most cases the gentically adapted plants will overcome the native crops (Rice, 1999).