Invasion of exotic earthworms into ecosystems inhabited by native earthworms

TLDR: The most conspicuous biological inva- sions in terrestrial ecosystems have been by exotic plants, insects and vertebrates. as mentioned in this paper explored the idea that indigenous earthworm fauna and/or characteristics of their characteristics are common in ecosystems inhabited by native earthworms, especially where soils are undisturbed.

Abstract: The most conspicuous biological inva- sions in terrestrial ecosystems have been by exotic plants, insects and vertebrates. Invasions by exo- tic earthworms, although not as well studied, may be increasing with global commerce in agricul- ture, waste management and bioremediation. A number of cases has documented where invasive earthworms have caused significant changes in soil profiles, nutrient and organic matter dynamics, other soil organisms or plant commu- nities. Most of these cases are in areas that have been disturbed (e.g., agricultural systems) or were previously devoid of earthworms (e.g., north of Pleistocene glacial margins). It is not clear that such effects are common in ecosystems inhabited by native earthworms, especially where soils are undisturbed. We explore the idea that indigenous earthworm fauna and/or characteristics of their