Good point, Bob. Although an introduction of invasive species somewhere may increase net biodiversity in that place, which simply means the number of extant species in a particular location, this is not necessarily good in the eyes of conservation biologists, who are more concerned with preserving the global diversity of life. Naturally, simple mathematics dictates that introducing five invasive species (only distinguishing them from natives) to an ecosystem will increase biodiversity by five. And over time, the natives may not go extinct, and therefore they would still count towards this total. However, their populations may be decimated, and their ranges lessened, and their influence over resources weakened. And as we know, if the invasives outcompete the natives, the ecosystem dynamics would become severely altered, the effects of which may be difficult to predict. Further, from an anthrocentric viewpoint, we may also not know whether or not a higher density of invasives would be beneficial to us, in any number of ways (practical, emotional, etc.). But what I am trying to say is that just because biodiversity goes up does not mean native species are existing in similar densities to conditions before the invasion.
-Jamie Kass 2008/10/3 David M. Lawrence <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > With all due respect, you can get published even if no one pays for your > research, as long as you are willing to pay for it yourself. > > Dave > > Kelly Stettner wrote: > >> You make an excellent point, James: "Face it: you can't get published if >> nobody cares about the results of your studies, and you can't muster the >> energy to properly address a scientific question if you don't care about the >> answer. The result is that there is emotional weight behind all scientific >> research and all interpretations of results." You also can't get published >> if no one will fund your research, so you have to MAKE somebody care about >> what you want to study, whether it's a cute, anthropomorphic mammal or a >> microscopic water flea. Someone has to decide it is important enough to >> study, and that IS, you are correct, an emotional response. A human value. >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > David M. Lawrence | Home: (804) 559-9786 > 7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787 > Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > USA | http: http://fuzzo.com > ------------------------------------------------------ > > "We have met the enemy and he is us." -- Pogo > > "No trespassing > 4/17 of a haiku" -- Richard Brautigan >
