Exotic species. A species introduced to an area outwith its original area of distribution. Many species of ornamental plants and domestic animals are exotic species from other continents. The jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosaefolia) and bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), originally from South America, and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus), originally from Asia, are examples of exotic species. These species do not have evolutionary relationships with the species with which they come into contact in their new territory and thus can cause serious problems, transmitting unfamiliar diseases and competing with or preying on native species. CONABIO | Exotic species

Invasive species. A species that exploits new environmental conditions to increase its population and geographic distribution. These are species with high dispersal and colonization capacities. They can be native or exotic species. In general, they cause damage to the environment, economy and human health. In fact, second only to habitat loss, they are considered a leading cause of species extinction. Rats (Rattus rattus) and house mice (Mus musculus), originally from Asia, are examples of invasive species. CONABIO | Invasive species

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