What is the Difference Between Exotic and Invasive species?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between exotic and invasive species lies in their impact on the environment. Both exotic and invasive species are non-native to the area in which they are introduced, but invasive species cause harm to the environment, while exotic species do not necessarily cause harm.
- Exotic species: These are species that are not indigenous to an area, meaning they originated somewhere else. They can also be referred to as non-native species. Not all exotic species are considered invasive or causing harm to the environment.
- Invasive species: These are species that tend to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully. They outcompete native species for food and resources, causing damage to the ecosystem. Invasive species can be non-native, but not all non-native species are considered invasive.
In summary, while both exotic and invasive species are non-native to an area, invasive species are characterized by their detrimental impact on the environment, outcompeting native species and causing ecological harm. Exotic species, on the other hand, may not necessarily cause harm and can even become naturalized over time.
Comparative Table: Exotic vs Invasive species
The difference between exotic and invasive species lies in their impact on the ecosystem they are introduced to. Both exotic and invasive species are non-native organisms that have been introduced to a new area where they do not naturally occur. Here is a comparison between the two:
| Exotic Species | Invasive Species |
|---|---|
| Non-native species that can be harmful or sometimes beneficial | Non-native species that create complete harm to the native species |
| May or may not have an effect on the displacement of native species | Causes harm and negatively impacts the ecosystem |
| Can include biocontrol agents that are deliberately introduced | A subset of introduced species that specifically includes harmful non-natives |
| Most plants like maize, tomatoes, and pumpkins were introduced into India | Causes competition for resources and affects the growth of native species |
In summary, exotic species are non-native organisms that may or may not have negative impacts on their new environment, while invasive species are exotic species that cause harm and negatively impact the ecosystem they are introduced to.
- an Introduced Species vs an Invasive Species
- Exotic vs Endemic Species
- Endangered Species vs Threatened Species
- Endemic vs Native
- Endangered vs Extinct
- Umbrella Species vs Keystone Species
- Flagship vs Umbrella Species
- In-Situ vs Ex-Situ Conservation
- Pest vs Insect
- Feral vs Wild
- Genetic Diversity vs Species Diversity
- Wild Animals vs Domestic Animals
- Species vs Population
- Race vs Species
- Insectivorous vs Symbiotic Plants
- Extinction vs Extirpation
- Genus vs Species
- Cell Migration vs Invasion
- Breed vs Species