ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Biological globalization

Biological globalization is like when people and animals travel to different parts of the world and bring with them new plants, animals, and diseases. Imagine you have a lot of toys in your toy box, and one day, your friend from a different country comes over to play. They bring some new toys with them, and you get excited to play with them too. But sometimes, they also bring germs and colds that you haven't been exposed to before, and that makes you sick.

Just like how people travel around the world, animals can also move from one place to another. And when they move, they can bring along new species that may not be native to that area. For example, if a bird from South America flies to North America, it might bring with it some tiny mites that were living on its feathers. These mites could then find a new home in North America and start a new population.

But sometimes, when new species arrive in a place, they can cause problems. They might not have any natural predators or competitors in their new environment, so they can grow and spread quickly. This can push out local species that were already living there, and change the whole ecosystem.

So, while biological globalization can bring new and exciting things to different parts of the world, it's important to be careful and aware of the potential risks and consequences. Just like how you need to wash your hands and cover your mouth when you're sick, scientists and policy-makers need to make sure they are taking steps to prevent the spread of harmful species and diseases across the world.
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