Alston Chase

While experts, including many at the National Park Service, contend that exotic species pose a serious threat to native species, Alston Chase believes that such concern is the product of bad science and bad public policy. In the following viewpoint, Chase contends that defining “exotics” and “natives” is impossible because all organisms move in time and space, hence the policies enforcing such definitions tend to be costly and ineffective. Moreover, Chase argues, some “exotics” actually provide more benefits to the ecosystem than do “natives” and should be allowed to prosper. Alston Chase is a nationally syndicated columnist specializing in environmental issues.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What examples does Chase provide to illustrate his contention that some exotics provide more benefits...