Invasive Species

In which Rat looks back to the glacial age

I believe the worry about «invasive species» is somewhat misdirected. What’s actually happening is anthropogenic transformation of natural biocenoses providing unexpected advantages to random species which may as well be native. Consider, for example, bitter stonecrop (Sedum acre):

Photo snatched from Friends of the Avon New Cut

It’s considered «native» to Northern Europe but you’d have to wonder where did it grow before the advent of railroads as natural habitats where it can thrive are not common.

…and while we’re at it – Rattus norvegicus (mostly) driving out Rattus rattus happened because the former thrives in brick-and-mortar buildings while the latter prefers wooden architecture.