4.05 Invasive Species

Indigenous (Native) Species

• A native species, or indigenous species, is an organism that naturally occurs and has evolved in a specific geographic region over an extended period of time.

• Indigenous species are an integral part of the natural biodiversity of their native ecosystems.

• Native species have adapted to local environmental conditions, climate, and other ecological factors over time, forming stable relationships with other indigenous species.

Invasive Species

organism from another ecosystem that causes damage to the new ecosystem

Example:

• the fungus known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans is an invasive species native to Europe and is responsible for white-nose syndrome in bat populations across the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.

Match

Match each word to its definition.

• a species that keeps an ecosystem in balance

• organism from another ecosystem that causes damage to the new ecosystem

• an organism that naturally occurs and has evolved in a specific geographic region over an extended period of time

keystone species

invasive species

indigenous species

• keystone species

• invasive species

• indigenous species

Multiple Choice

Which of the following characteristics distinguishes invasive species from native species?

• 
  Invasive species display low population growth.

• 
  Invasive species can also be considered keystone species.

• 
  Invasive species are well adapted to the local environment.

• Invasive species lack natural predators or controls.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a common impact of invasive species on ecosystem functioning?

• increasing the availability of resources for indigenous species

• promoting the stability of indigenous species

• enhancing the balance of natural ecosystem processes
  

• disrupting the natural flow of the ecosystem food web

Multiple Choice

How do invasive species alter the structure and function of native ecosystems?

• They provide more food and habitat for native species.

• They outcompete native species for resources, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

• They help increase the biodiversity of native species.

• They protect native species from predators.

Match

Match the description with the correct stage of invasive species management.

• 
  

  implementing regulations, monitoring programs, public education, and promoting responsible trade and travel practices

• eliminating invasive species from a defined area or population

• preventing the spread of invasive species beyond their current range or boundaries

• managing invasive species‘ populations to minimize their impact on native ecosystems, economies, and human health

preventative

eradication

containment

control

• 
  preventative

• eradication

• containment

• control

Multiple Choice

Why is the Burmese python a major problem in South Florida?

• It is a native species that helps control other animals.

• It lacks natural predators and disrupts local wildlife in the Everglades.

• It is endangered and needs protection.

• It helps increase the number of native species in the area.