Introduced species, homogenizing biotas and cultures

Abstract

Introduced species tend to homogenize biotas, and this biotic homogenization contributes to a pervasive biocultural homogenization fostered by urbanization and commercial globalization. Antipathy towards biological invasions today is primarily focused on their many ecological, economic, and public health impacts. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, aesthetic considerations dominated much of the opposition to introduced species. Aldo Leopold’s “land aesthetic,” based on detailed knowledge of the ecology of a region and the evolutionary history of its denizens, strongly opposed introduced species on aesthetic grounds just as his land ethic opposed them on ecological grounds. Some authors contend that the animus towards introduced species is partly associated with xenophobia or nativism, and that stated aesthetic or ecological considerations mask underlying xenophobic motives. Evidence for this motivation in current views of introduced species is scant or non-existent. Unease about introduced species because of their role in biotic homogenization is certainly not based on xenophobia. Rather, it springs from the same source as the desire to preserve native languages from extinction and regional cuisines from being swamped by McDonalds and Starbucks. The struggle to redress biocultural homogenization will have to incorporate prevention of many species introductions and effective management of both newly arrived and certain long - established invaders. Technologies exist to aid this effort; the impediments are frequently more sociopolitical than scientific.