Invasive Species

Essential Question What are invasive species? How do they become invasive? What is the impact on human activities?

What is an invasive species? Exotic Species are species that occur outside of their natural ranges because of human activity (1). An exotic species becomes invasive when it becomes established in its new environment and out competes native species (1). List three example of a invasive species? Allow students to share their thoughts on invasive species. Correct any inaccuracies. If possible, list on the board as students mention them and before you correct inaccuracies, ask their peers if they think any should be removed from the list.

Types of invasive species Animals Plants Pathogens

What is the problem with an invasive species? Can cause an imbalance in the natural environment (1).. Out compete native organisms for resources Change abiotic factors Threaten agriculture Endanger the health of plants and animals Give an example of each imbalance. Out compete- Change abiotic- Agriculture- Endanger Health-

How do invasive species travel? Humans Wind Water

Humans- Can simply carry a organism. Some invasives can stow away on a ship or plane. Wind- Seeds can be carried great distances. Water- Organisms can be transported on natural “rafts”

Examples of Invasive Species: Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Kudzu Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) Lionfish (Pterois spp.)

Zebra Mussel(2) Originally from the Caspian and Black Sea. Introduced to the Great Lakes in 1988. Cause many problems: Can harm other fresh water mussels Can block intake pipes for power plants Can cause problems for recreational activities.

Zebra mussels Covering a Crayfish (3b) http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/invert/images/zmussel2.jpg http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/invert/images/zmussel1.jpg Zebra Mussel showing bysall threads(3a)

Kudzu

Kudzu also called Japanese arrowroot, It is a climbing, coiling, and trailing vine native to southern Japan and south east China. It occurs as an invasive species in the U.S. (W.W.II), it is considered a noxious weed that climbs over trees or shrubs and grows so rapidly, it kills them by heavy shading. The plant is edible. It is a problem in northeastern Australia, and has been seen in isolated spots in Northern Italy

Giant Hogweed(2) Native to Eurasia Introduced to the United States in 1917. Originally used as an ornamental plant It out competes other plants for resources. It produces a toxic sap.

Giant Hogweed Giant Hogweed Video (4) Hogweed (4) http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/hogweed.shtml Giant Hogweed Video (4)

Asian Tiger Mosquito(2) Originally from Asia. Introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800’s. Continental United States in 1985. Can be a vector for disease. Ex. West Nile Virus

Asian Tiger Mosquito (5) http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/asiantigmos.shtml

Lionfish(2) Native to the Pacific Ocean Introduced to the water around the United States in 1992 through the aquarium trade. Preys on native species. Has poisonous spines.

Lionfish (6) Lionfish video (6) http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/lionfish.shtml Lionfish video (6)

What can you do? Obey the rules. Do not transport plants and animals when you travel. Never release pets into the wild. Learn about invasive species in your area for identification. Use native plants.

Report invasive species in your area.

Invasive species watch in New Jersey: The brown marmorated stink bug (7) Halyomorpha halys http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/about.asp

Invasive species watch in Virginia The emerald ash borer (8) Agrilus planipennis http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/eab_general.htm adult larvae

Invasive Species watch in Maryland The northern snakehead (9) Channa argus http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/species/vertebrates/Northern_Snakehead.html

CBS Video http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/invasive-species-spreading-across-america-50114055/

Predator – Prey Relationships