introduced

The word “introduced” means brought in from elsewhere rather than naturally occurring in a place. In plain terms, describes a plant, animal, or idea that originally came from somewhere else.

“Introduced” is pronounced ihnt-ruh-DYOOST (/ˌɪntɹəˈduːst/ in IPA).

Here is “introduced” used in a sentence: “The rabbit is an introduced species in Australia, not a native one.”

“Introduced” is an adjective.

“Introduced” is a very common word in modern English.

An introduced species is one brought to an area by human activity, deliberately or accidentally, from another region. A native species occurs there naturally, without human help. Introduced species are also called non-native or exotic; when they spread and cause harm, they may be further described as invasive.

All invasive species are introduced, but not all introduced species are invasive. "Introduced" simply means brought in from elsewhere. "Invasive" adds that the species spreads aggressively and damages the local ecosystem, economy, or health. Many introduced plants and animals settle harmlessly and never become invasive at all.

Rabbits in Australia, brought by European settlers, are a classic example, multiplying rapidly with no natural predators. Other examples include grey squirrels in Britain and cane toads in Australia. Each was moved by people from its native range into a new environment where it did not originally occur.

No. Many introduced species live alongside native ones without causing problems, and some — such as most food crops and livestock — are deliberately introduced and highly beneficial. Harm arises only when an introduced species becomes invasive, outcompeting natives or disrupting the balance of the local ecosystem.