Alien Encounters (Lost in Translation ep.3)
lost in translation is a funny take on the challenges oF communication in science. FOLLOW ALONG AS JARGON AND JUMBLE NAVIGATE THE CONFUSING WORLD OF LINGUISTIC MISCOMMUNICATIONS AND TRY NOT TO GET TOO LOST IN TRANSLATION. Read the past numbers here.
This comic is a collaboration between valeria (drawings & concept) and kenia (text & concept)
alien species in popular culture vs ecology
In general everyday life, when we hear the word “alien”, we may think of extraterrestrial beings from another planet. However, in ecology, the term “alien” refers to a species that has been introduced to an ecosystem where it is not native.
Alien species are often brought to a new environment intentionally or unintentionally by humans, such as through international trade, transport, or horticulture. While some alien species may not pose any significant threat to the new ecosystem, others can cause severe ecological and economic damage, leading to reduced biodiversity and the loss of native species.
Alien species can compete with native species for resources, prey on them, or spread diseases. They can also alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the ecosystem, leading to changes in nutrient cycling and water flow. These changes can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, including other non-invasive species and human activities that depend on them.
Some examples of alien species include the cane toad in Australia, the zebra mussel in the Great Lakes of North America, and the kudzu vine in the southeastern United States. The cane toad was introduced to Australia in the 1930s to control sugar cane pests but has since become a major pest itself, causing declines in native species and disrupting ecosystems. The zebra mussel, which was brought to North America in the ballast water of ships from Europe, can clog water intake pipes and disrupt the food chain of aquatic ecosystems. The kudzu vine, introduced to the US for ornamental purposes and erosion control, grows rapidly and outcompetes native vegetation, altering the structure and function of ecosystems.
It is important to note though that the term “alien” has been criticized for promoting negative attitudes and stereotypes towards non-human life, and some organizations have adopted more neutral terms such as “non-indigenous” or “introduced” species. It is important to use language that accurately reflects the scientific understanding of the issue while being respectful to all forms of life!