Endemic versus invasive species explains how ecological evidence links organisms, resources and interactions to population size, distribution or community structure in a habitat.
Coverage 2010–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
An introduced species can become invasive when it acquires limiting resources more effectively than local endemic or native species and spreads at their expense.
In southern China, the introduced vine Mikania micrantha grows rapidly over local vegetation. Its canopy captures light and space, shading slower-growing native plants and reducing their access to photosynthetic resources.
For a local case, identify introduced species → named resource → acquisition advantage → reduced resource availability or performance of local endemic/native species → spread and community impact.
Compare light interception, cover or growth of local plants in plots with and without dense Mikania; greater vine resource capture provides evidence for its competitive advantage.
Non-native does not automatically mean invasive. Spread and harm must be demonstrated, and resource competition must be separated from other mechanisms such as predation or disease.
This objective is assessed through essay response, commonly using State / Discuss / Suggest.
State / Discuss / Suggest / Identify / Outline / Describe / Explain / Evaluate / Define / Analyse
Build the answer around this relationship: Endemic versus invasive species must be linked to the correct ecological unit, method or species interaction.
Naming an alien species without explaining competition, predation, disease or biodiversity impact.
Representative question
Discuss, giving an example, the possible effects of the introduction of an alien species into an ecosystem.
