Assignment: Invasive Species Lab
Objectives
1. Discuss the differences between native, exotic, and invasive species.
2. Identify the importance of invasive species for biodiversity.
3. Explain how exotic species can be introduced into a new area.
4. Prepare and sharea presentation on an invasive species of local concern.
5. Analyze and evaluate an invasive species of local concern.
Activity 1: Invasive Species
In the process of humans moving around the world, they have transported other organisms around the world. Some species were intentionally moved, such as bringing livestock and food with them. Other species were accidentally moved, such as stowaway rats that followed the humans. A native(indigenous) species is one thatoccurred naturally in ahabitat before humans migrated to the area. Thus a species is native to a particular area and habitat. For instance, Dallas was originally Blackland Prairie with many grass and wildflower species occurring here. The Eastern gray squirrel, which lives in forests, is native to the forests of eastern Texas but not to the Dallas region. An exotic (introduced) species is a species that was somehow moved by humans. An invasive species is an exotic species that is reproductively uncontrolled. These species cause environmental, economic, and sometimes health problems.
Exercise 1: Invasive Species Movie
• For this activity you will watch a movie about invasive species. Watch "Silent Invasion" by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
This is a video exploring the problem of invasive species. Students should take notes during the video to answer the following questions.
1. What is the difference between native, exotic, and invasive species?
2. How do species spread to new areas?
3. What environmental and economic affects can invasive species have?
Activity 2: Invasive Species in Texas
Many invasive species have been introduced to Texas throughout the years. Only recently has it become obvious that invasive species cause an enormous amount of damage both environmentally and economically. Most citizens, however, cannot describe what an invasive species is and cannot name one that is a problem in their region.
Exercise 2: Invasive Species in Texas
Students will research one of the invasive species in north central Texas and will share a PowerPoint presentation to the class about the species.
Choose a species from the following list. Each student will have a different topic. This is first-come, first served. Submit your species in the discussion board.
Invasive Species Concluding Questions
1. Are invasive species considered invasive everywhere?
2. Why are invasive species a concern for biodiversity? Doesn't adding new species to an ecosystem increase biodiversity?
3. How have invasive species affected your life? Nothing is not an acceptable answer.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.