1. Identifying Invasive Species in Our Community

2. Identifying Species Currently there are 8.7 million identified species on Earth There are new species that emerge everyday and some yet to be discovered 2

3. A distinct kind of animal, plant, fungus, or other organism Groups of actual or potential interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively separate from other specie groups 3 What is a species anyways ?

4. NEW SPECIES ALERT! A new amphipod species (shrimp) has been discovered Lemarete which translates to “bold and excellent” is the name of the new species This new species is 3mm long and lives in the depths of the ocean to about 4500 meters They act in swarms to strip carcasses of dead marine animals such as whales, fish, and seabirds This species helps with the decomposition of dead materials and aids in the natural recycling process 4

5. Why is Studying Species Important? Biologists and Ecologists study species Studying species is important for: – fisherman – hunters – birdwatchers – gardeners We study species to help in their preservation and study their ability to adapt and evolve to new environments 5

6. To define and identify species, they have been categorized in Canada as: – Endangered – Threatened – Protected – Native – Invasive 6 Labelling and Categorizing Species

7. Native Versus Non-Native Species What do you think the difference between native and non-native species is? A native species is a species that naturally originated in its current location A non-native species is a species which has been brought to a new place or country by humans. These species may have been introduced accidentally or deliberately from all over the world 7

8. Are Non-Native Species Bad News? No! In fact, most non-native species are harmless Some are even beneficial, such as sheep Some non-native species however, spread rapidly, damage the environment, and harm native species – These are known as invasive species 8

9. What is an Invasive Species? Invasive species are “alien species” whose introduction to the environment does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm – Invasive species are an environmental issue that we deal with on a daily basis, they cause many negative environmental effects by competing for resources 9

10. How Did The “Aliens” Get Here? 10

11. What Makes A Successful Invasive Species? Invasive species: Can grow quickly Spread rapidly Are highly adaptable Can be tougher than native species 11

12. What Problems Can Invasive Species Cause? They can be a predator to native species Compete for food against native species Spread disease Damage habitats Block waterways and cause flooding 12

13. What Can We Do To Stop The Spread? 13

14. Become A Biosecurity Agent! Report sightings so that invasive species can be removed Never release unwanted pets Choose native plant species for gardens and ponds Dispose of unwanted non-native plants carefully Check equipment after fishing Clean boats and drain any ballast water before moving between waterways Copyright, legal, version number? 14

15. Invasive Species in Southwestern Ontario Copyright, legal, version number? 15

16. Group Work Select one of the invasive species in the previous slide Work with a group of two to four people to answer the questions on the slides below Research the answers for the questions using the provided handouts Develop your own three inquiry questions that you want to investigate Develop a poster board to help increase awareness for people that might not know about the dangers of invasive species 16

17. Case File #1: Common Buckthorn Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it an invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? 17

18. Case File #2: Asian Long-Horned Beetle Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 18

19. Case File #3: Zebra Mussels Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 19

20. Case File #4: Asian Carp Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 20

21. Case File #5: European Green Crab Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 21

22. Case File #6: Purple Loosestrife Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 22

23. Case File #7: Sea Lamprey Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 23

24. Case File #8: Emerald Ash Borer Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 24

25. Case File #9: Didymo Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 25

26. Case File #10: Gypsy Moth Copyright, legal, version number? 26 Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading?

27. Case File #11: Round Goby Where is it from? How did it get here? What makes it a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 27

28. How are Invasive Species Monitored and Controlled? Biologists and ecologists monitor environments and habitats and notice impacts of invasive species by the damage left behind. You could be a citizen scientist and help identifying, count, and control invasive species. Copyright, legal, version number? 28

29. Become an Environmental Steward Number of Emerald Ash Borers Present Number of Trees on site Number of Damaged /Dying Trees Number of Healthy Trees Contamination Rate. Calculate the percentage of tree that are infected. Ranking of site Infection (1 being the most infected) Site A50500350??? Site B78700480??? Site C901000600??? Site D32450201??? Site E81950561??? Copyright, legal, version number? 29 Below is a data set your neighbour collected from nearby areas in your community affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. You offered to help him calculate his data so he can send it in to the City of London’s Ecologist. Fill in the last three columns of data.

30. Your Task Design a brand new, ultimate invasive species! Think about where your species came from? How did it get here? What makes it such a successful invasive species? What problems is it causing? How can we stop it from spreading? Copyright, legal, version number? 30

31. Copyright, legal, version number? 31 What did you think about the lesson? What did you learn? What did you love? What do you want to learn more about? What was boring? How would you make the lesson better?