Invasive Species
IMPORTANT VOCABULARY WORDS
biodiversity- variety of species living in an area (more diversity=healthier ecosystem)
native- a species that comes from a particular environment, is naturally adapted to living in that environment, and has natural controls there (predators, competition, etc.) to limit their numbers
non-native: brought to a new environment by humans accidentally or on purpose (also called exotic, alien, introduced) that can become invasive
invasive species: thrives and spreads aggressively outside its natural range and causes harm to the new area
ornamental plant: a non-native plant commonly sold and available in garden centers because it is 'pretty', can become an invasive
weed: plants that are undesirable in a given location & can be invasive
noxious weed: plant listed by the state as “noxious” because it is harmful to agriculture, water resources or human/animal health
economy-the way a place (like a state or country) and its people earn and spend money
ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDINGS
An invasive species is a nonnative species that disturbs the area in which it has been introduced.
Most invasive species are introduced to new areas by human activity. This can be accidental or on purpose.
Invasive species harm the native organisms that are supposed to live there by preying upon them or their young, transmitting diseases, and out competing them for resources.
Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.
They also harm ecosystems. For example, they can ruin crops, clog rivers & streams, and contaminate drinking water & soil.
Invasive species grow, reproduce, and spread quickly.
Invasive species can be plants, animals, fungus, or bacteria.
Not all introduced plants are invasive plants. In fact, most introduced species do not cause problems and are often beneficial. Many introduced species are well known and economically important in agriculture and horticulture, such as wheat, soybeans and tulips.
Invasive species hurt the economy. It costs a lot to control and eliminate them. Also, they cause prices to go up and shortages in natural resources. For example, invasive species can ruin crops and make life stock and fish become sick or die which means they can't be sold or used for food.
Examples w/ Links:
READ, WATCH, & DO TO LEARN MORE!
Ways everyone can help make a difference in reducing invasive species:
Kids, remember to ask your parents' permission before you do anything on line!
Do some research: You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Read a book or get on the Internet and find out what invasive species have been found in your area, region or state. Identify which of those species might be living in your own backyard or neighborhood and what you can do to remove them.
Spread awareness & Share what you've learned: Don’t keep your new-found knowledge to yourself. Tell your friends, family, neighbors and others what you have learned or even share your ideas on social media! Knowledge is a powerful tool!
Join in an eradication effort: Many parks and nature reserves manually remove invasive species (plants and animals) with the help of local volunteers. Your local national forest or grassland also may be looking for volunteers.
Become a citizen scientist: Working outdoors can be a very rewarding way to combat invasive species. You could find ways to work alongside scientists collecting specimens or surveying areas.
Visit a garden, park or nature center: Spend an afternoon at a botanic garden, park or natural area and familiarize yourself with the native flora and fauna in your area.
Plant native in your garden: Replace your invasive landscape plants with native alternatives. Unlike many non-native plants, native plants are hardy, less susceptible to pests and diseases and unlikely to escape and become invasive. Your local landscape shop or county extension office can help.
Take the Invasive Species Challenge: Vow never to buy or spread invasive plants or animals! Do not get invasive animals as a pet and if you know someone else who has one, tell them never to let it go in the wild. Tell them about Florida's invasive snake problem to help them understand. Never take fire wood from your area to a new place when you go camping. The insects or fungi on the wood may be invasive in the area you traveled to. If your family has a boat, help wash it between lake visits to stop invasives from going to new waters!
TEACHER RESOURCES
