Very few places in the world have not been touched by invasive species. Biological invasions are a major force of change, affecting many dimensions of life on Earth. Invasions result when species colonize new geographic regions, which are disjunct (isolated) from existing populations. Although species have been moved from place to place for centuries, humans have dramatically altered invasion dynamics, especially with the global expansion of trade in modern times. The speed and scale on which this movement is occurring have increased exponentially.
Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for a closer look at what invasives are, where they are invading, and how they get there.
