Chapter 6 – 7

Marris’s Rambunctious Garden, Saving Nature in a Post-Modern World delves into the topic of invasive species, or rather “exotic species” in her next two chapters. In chapter 6, Marris begins by providing examples of previously native specie inhabited lands that have undergone a “take over” of sorts by an invasive species. However, the label of an invasive species seems to be based on prejudice. This label was originally attached to those exotic species that inhabited foreign lands. Now the label is predominately circling around those species which cause harm towards humans. Studies have shown that most invasive species in fact do not cause as much harm as we may believe. One example of this new approach towards invasive species came under great debate amongst scientists. The example mentioned how islands that were consumed by invasive species did have problems where several isolated species suffered extinction. However, the fact remains that the number of species on these islands more than doubled. Some argue that the number of species was a result of many common species found on other foreign lands. Another example brings to light the question, “If newly arrived species have an advantage because natives have not evolved resistance to them, isn’t it also true that they will have no evolved resistance to the wiles of the natives?” (Marris Page 105). The chapter goes even further to discuss the possibility of hybridization between an invasive species and a native one. The hybrid product of the two species could be either invasive or native, creating confusion in identification. The problem is not because of the species that happen to move to a new land. The problem lies within ourselves. We are the ones drawing lines between species. If a species can freely mate with one another, who are we to keep them from doing so, or to eradicate the parent species? The problem returns to the introduction of the chapter – the problem is us: our prejudice towards invasive species. It seems that we, human beings, do not fear the imminent result of an extinct species, but more likely that we, ourselves do not like any change. What purpose do we have for naming a species invasive if we were the ones who introduced it to its new lands several thousand years ago? Are they no longer invasive? Even if we go back in time and find which species lived where, the process seems futile to return species to where they once belonged. Why not let species live and dwell as they choose naturally? The answer to this lies within humans, not nature. The second chapter discusses “novel ecosystems”. These novel ecosystems are the results of an invasive species that has gone and rampaged throughout the specified land. The name provides a lighter and more positive description to some, but to others, the positivity holds true. One example provided explained how, despite what studies have taught scientists throughout the ages about how theses “novel ecosystems” would suffer and die out, the actual result shows that the ecosystem is faring much better than any normal one. Novel ecosystems are now more common than native ones. Generations of human beings will begin to see a new land dominated by a new species again become dominated by another new species. Ecosystems will grow more complex and fuse. Studies have even showed how invasive species “calm down” over time. They become less harmful as more species are introduced that hinder their booming growth. The natives will also, one day, gain resistance. It is not a losing battle, but rather a new perspective of the winner.