Question 13 Marks
Alien species are a threat to native species. Justify taking examples of an animal and a plant alien species.
Answer
View full question & answer→When alien species are introduced in a particular ecosystem, they become invasive. Alien species compete for food and other resources which threatens survival of native species. For example:
- The Nile Perch introduced in lake Victoria in East Africa led to the gradual extinction of more than 200 species of Cichild fish in the lake. Introduction of African cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) for aquaculture purpose is posing threat to the indigenous catfish in our rivers.
- Invasive weed species like water hyacinth (Eicchornia), carrot grass (Parthenium) have posed a threat to our native species.
- The Nile Perch introduced in lake Victoria in East Africa led to the gradual extinction of more than 200 species of Cichild fish in the lake. Introduction of African cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) for aquaculture purpose is posing threat to the indigenous catfish in our rivers.
- Invasive weed species like water hyacinth (Eicchornia), carrot grass (Parthenium) have posed a threat to our native species.




