Invaze nepůvodních druhů žížal vede v severoamerických lesích ke komplexním změnám a to především v severních opadavých lesích, které se od posledního zalednění částečně vyvíjely zcela bez přítomnosti žížal. Článek danou problematiku zasazuje do souvislostí a představuje stav poznání z hlediska příčin, postupu a důsledků těchto invazí.
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Invasions of exotic earthworms into North American forests lead to complex changes, in particular, in northern deciduous forests that have partially developed after the last glaciation without the presence of earthworms. The paper explains the context of these earthworm invasions and presents the state of knowledge in respect to their causes, spread and consequences.