9:56 AM
monica
Invasive species are typically non-native or foriegn organisms that have taken up residence in a new place and environment and their growth and spread are out of control.
Why are invasive species a problem?
No Checks & Balances
Species within a given ecosystem depend on each other for survival & population control. When a �new resident� comes into the system, they may not fit in and can throw the whole system off.
Changes the Natural Habitat
Foriegn species alter the abiotic & biotic environment and changes the ability of some organisms to survive
Examples: new trees that native animals can�t live in or eat from, they lose their homes, die or move away
Examples: zebra mussels taking up too much oxygen in the water.
Out-compete Native Species
The alien plant consumes resources faster or takes up space before similar native species do.
Cross-breeding
Alien plant species might genetically mix with native species and change the entire make-up and ecological role of the native plant.
Why Should we care?
�Decrease local Biodiversity
�When foreign plants invade a new area, these species displace or may even harm native species. The foreign plant may cause larger environmental problems, including extinction. �
�Impacts natural resources like water, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
�It costs lots of money to get rid of foreign species and the seeds/pollen from these plants may impact local food chain and food supply dynamics.
What can be done to stop invaders?
Biological Control
�Using Natural Enemies to keep the invade population growth in check.
� Mechanical Control
�Physically removing or destroying the invaders.
�
What else can be done?
Regulation
�International, Federal, & State Agencies
What can I do?
� Education
�Community Outreach, Public Service Campaigns��
Action Items:
Tell others about Invasive Plant Species and the problems they cause.
Work to promote planting and gardening native plants, flowers, and trees in your neighborhood.
Create a Public Service Annoucement Poster to educate your neighbors and friends about invasive plant species.
�Tell your audience:
�WHO are the players - the name of the invasive plant species.
�WHAT is the problem - the problems caused by invasive species.
�WHY they should care.
�HOW they can help solve the problem.
When you're done, your WANTED poster might look something the one created by one of my students involved with an After-school Program at Normandy Senior High School in St. Louis, Missouri.