Ecosystems and Evolutions

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Ecosystems and Evolutions
The impacts of invasive species in Florida are far-reaching and are often classified as either social, economic, or environmental. Economic impacts are those that pose direct implications to people, especially those that cause monetary losses. Environmental implications are those that disrupt the structure and function of Florida’s ecosystem by facilitating the loss of unique habitats. Finally, social implications are those that have direct impacts on human safety and health. This paper, therefore, looks at the social, economic, and environmental implications of invasive species like the Cuban tree frog, lionfish, the monk parakeet, Burmese python, hydrilla, and fern fronds.
The invasive species in Florida present a variety of environmental implications because of their tendency to disrupt the local environment and biodiversity. For example, the Cuban tree frog is known to disrupt the State’s natural ecosystem by eating native frogs and competing with other local organisms for resources. Another species of the Florida coast, the lionfish also negatively impacts on the environment of the region by devouring other fish and competing with native predators for food, hence threatening the biodiversity of Florida waters (“9 Investigates the Effects of Invasive Species in Florida”). Finally, hydrilla, an invasive plant is known to kill sea life by inhibiting sunlight penetration.
Invasive species also pose numerous economic implications to the state of Florida.

For instance, the monk parakeet that nests on transformers forces the Florida Power and Light company to spend over $1 million annually in repairing damaged transformers (“9 Investigates the Effects of Invasive Species in Florida”). Also, by devouring the local fish, the lionfish threatens many fish food industries, as well as commercial and sport fishing ventures. Lastly, the fight against invasive plants such as hydrilla and fern fonds require millions of dollars.
Lastly, invasive species in Florida pose numerous social concerns to the local population. For example, the Burmese python, an invasive and dangerous species, poses a lot of danger to the lives of people. Also, the hydrilla seaweed significantly affects human social activities such as sports fishing and swimming by covering the Florida waters. In short, these are just some of the many social implications of these invasive species.
In conclusion, invasive species in Florida pose numerous grave implications ranging from economic to environmental. This paper addresses some of the direct economic and environmental challenges that are associated with invasive species such as the Burmese python, lionfish, and the monk parakeet. It also addresses the social implications of these species.
Work Cited
“9 Investigates the Effects of Invasive Species in Florida.” WFTV, 1 Mar. 2017, www.wftv.com/news/9-investigates/9-investigates-the-effects-of-invasive-species-in-florida/497093450.