3.7 Invasive or Exotic Species

Kudzu has overgrown many parts of southern Missouri and native ground plants have disappeared from the area. This is an example of:

• Parasitism between kudzu and the native plants
• A predator prey relationship between ground plants and kudzu
• Competition occurring between the native and invasive species
• Commesalism occurring between the kudzo and native plants

Which of the following is not a characteristic of Invasive plants?

• Lots of seeds
• effective dispersal methods
• Easily established
• Smells pretty

How do invasive plants damage the environment?

• Compete with native species
• Change plant community
• Alter diversity
• All of these

Does every species have the means to become invasive? 

• Depends on the abiotic factors
• es, if the food web can support another organism
• Yes, if they are determined enough
• No, only species that pose a threat to ecosystem

The electric fence is "keeping" the Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes so far according the the Army Corp or Engineers. What potential problems will the fish pose if they get in.

• A physical danger to boaters
• They may eat too much of the base of the food chain.
• They may be a new source of food.
• A and B only

This invasive plant came from Asia and was believed to be a pretty decoration.  Unfortunately, it covers native plants and blocks sunlight from reaching them.

• Kudzu Vine
• Feral Swine
• Sea Lamprepy
• Zebra Mussels

This invasive species came over in boats from Europe in the 1980's.  They harm native fish, clog pipes and ruin beaches.  

• Sea Lamprey
• Zebra Mussel
• Asian Carp
• Feral Swine

The Asian Carp is causing what type of damage/risks to native animals?

• A.  It is eating the food of the native fish.
• B.  It is jumping out of the water, injuring boaters.
• C.  It destroys crops and clogs pipes.
• D.  Both answers A and B are correct.

The sea lamprey is a risk to native fish because:

• It attaches to the body and sucks the blood from the fish. 
• It eats the alage the fish need.
• It is ruining beaches.
• The lamprey causes no risk to native fish. 

Why do the populations of invasive species grow so quickly? 

• Invasive Species are native to an area. 
• Invasive species are prey to many animals.
• Invasive species have no predators.
• Invasive species keep the ecosystems in equilibrium.