Invasive species help ecosystems
<
(3 of 3)
Invasive species are a new food source
Invasive species can provide a new food source to the surrounding native animals and plants. For example, new types of pests could be eaten by predators if a native species starts to run out.
<
(1 of 2)
Next argument >
The Argument
Invasive species can be a new source of food for their surrounding ecosystem. The dandelion can be fit for human consumption if prepared correctly.[1] Even invasive pests can become food for predatory animals. The brown rat, which has invaded European countries and North America, is hunted by birds and snakes.[2] An ecosystem will never die with an availability of different nutrition sources.
Counter arguments
Invasive species could eat other animals or plants that need to exist within the ecosystem. The cane toad eats small native rodent species while killing native predators.[3] With the cane toad as the top of the food chain, the ecosystem’s health will decline. Invasive species could potentially do more harm than good.
Proponents
Premises
[P1] Invasive species are an additional source of food.
[P2] Because of the new invasive species, organisms will not die out from starvation.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] Invasive species could hurt the ecosystem.