2. Aliens Among Us Invasive Species and Their Influence On Our World A lesson from the Mathematics & Science Center

3. Aliens Among Us Good Alien……… Just like in “Men in Black” ………Bad Alien

4. Mathematics & Science Center Some aliens add beauty to the world… Mute Swan Cygnus olar Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

5. Mathematics & Science Center Some aliens add beauty to the world… But they may create many problems for their habitat. Mute Swan Cygnus olar Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

6. Mathematics & Science Center Some aliens add beauty to the world… But they may create many problems for their habitat. Mute Swan Cygnus olar These swans feed on beds of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV’s), which are vital to the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

7. Mathematics & Science Center Some aliens do not cause many problems or are worth any trouble they may cause: “Eat More Chicken” NO WAY! Kansas Assoc. of Wheat Growers www.wheatonline.com Chris Vogel Photo courtesy www.usda.gov

8. Mathematics & Science Center Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha One of the more invasive of the invasive species, and one that has received lots of publicity is the

9. Mathematics & Science Center They first appeared in the U.S. in the Great Lakes and have since moved into many other waterways.

10. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey http://nationalatlas.gov/zmussels1.html

11. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

12. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

13. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

14. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

15. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

16. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

17. Mathematics & Science Center National Atlas of the United States U. S. Geological Survey

18. Mathematics & Science Center And now they’ve been found in Virginia!

19. Mathematics & Science Center Millbrook Quarry Courtesy of USGS

20. Mathematics & Science Center Why are Zebra Mussels so bad? So What’s the Big Deal? 1. Their SMALL size! Charles Ramcharan Wisconsin Sea Grant

21. Mathematics & Science Center Craig Czarnecki, Michigan Sea Grant

22. Mathematics & Science Center Notice the baby zebras attached to the adults 3. Easily transported by careless boaters 2. Their fast rate of reproduction Ladd Johnson NOAA/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory David Dennis College of Biological Sciences, Ohio State University

23. Mathematics & Science Center 4. Harms other organisms Clam and Crayfish covered with Zebras Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources GLSGN Exotic Species Library Fred Synder, Ohio Sea Grant

24. Mathematics & Science Center How Do Aliens Get Here? By Land By Sea By Air Or….. the number one answer is: People

25. Mathematics & Science Center How Do Aliens Get Here? Many of our aquatic aliens arrive in ballast water Courtesy MSC

26. Mathematics & Science Center How Do Aliens Get Here? Courtesy MSC

27. Mathematics & Science Center Courtesy MSC

28. Mathematics & Science Center Can you identify an alien by looking at it? NO! Martha Vogel Courtesy MSC

29. Mathematics & Science Center Can you tell whether an alien is good or bad just by looking at it? NO! Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

30. Mathematics & Science Center Research it: 1. The biology of the organism 2. The native habitat 3. The method of reproduction 4. Its natural enemies

31. Mathematics & Science Center Signs that an alien might be an invasive: Fast growing and rapid maturity High reproductive rate – produces lots of seeds or offspring Can out-compete native species No natural controls Is harmful to other organisms

32. Mathematics & Science Center End of Section One Now you will work together to research an alien.