Topic: introduced species

The Science Show examines mineral nodules formed around fossil shark teeth on the deep-sea floor and the ecological risks of exploiting them. The programme also considers plant responses to climate change, debates over introduced species, and the contributions and limitations of three influential scientists.

Daniel Simberloff discusses biological invasions, ecological theory and evidence from field experiments. The conversation explores how introduced species alter communities and ecosystems, and how long-running research informs conservation and management decisions.

How societies describe and represent introduced species affects the policies used to manage them. This seminar uses perspectives from the humanities and social sciences to examine political, symbolic and practical aspects of biological invasions. Examples from contemporary art and media connect framing and perception with concrete conservation decisions.

Conservation has changed from early resource-management initiatives into several sometimes competing approaches to protecting nature. This seminar surveys their practical and philosophical foundations in Western conservation and asks how each treats introduced species. It then examines the circumstances and methods for controlling or eradicating invasive organisms.

Economic activity both spreads introduced species and suffers their consequences, while some introductions can also generate financial benefits. This seminar examines that complicated relationship and why invasions receive uneven attention from policymakers. It considers how economic concepts and decision tools adapted to biodiversity conservation can clarify costs, incentives and management choices.

Introduced species can affect human, animal and ecosystem health through altered ecological interactions, disease transmission and changes to food security or well-being. This seminar first examines those direct and indirect effects, then considers how pathogens and parasites influence invasion success and evolution. Invasive rodents provide a detailed example linking these mechanisms within a One Health framework.