Invasive Species

An invasive species is

• A native species that has a large population

• An introduced species in a new environment

• An introduced species that reproduces quickly

• A species, native or introduced, that harms native species

Is an introduced species always invasive?

• Yes- introduced species always disrupt natural ecosystems

• Yes- introduced and invasive mean the same thing

• No- many introduced species are not invasive and do not harm ecosystems

• No- invasive species are always native

Do most introduced species become invasive?

• Yes- all introduced species become invasive

• Yes- nearly all introduced species become invasive

• No- only 1 out of 10 actually survive, only 1 in 100 become invasive

• No- introduced species never become invasive because their adaptations are not suited for new environment

How much estimated damage do invasive species cause in the US each year?

• $138,000

• $138 million

• $138 billion

• $138 trillion

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an invasive species?

• They grow rapidly and compete with other plants or animals

• They produce large numbers of seeds/offspring at a young age

• Their native region has a climate similar to the affected area of the US

• They have specific needs or requirements to survive

What does it mean that an invasive species is a habitat generalist?

• They can adapt to many different kinds of environments and habitats

• They are only found in specific kinds of habitats

• They keep existing native species alive and coordinate their niches

• They cannot leave a particular habitat once they become established.

Why is it that native species cannot compete with invasive species?

• Nature is inherently weak and needs human intervention to function

• North American species are far less evolved than European or Asian species

• Invasive species have few, if any, predators to control their rapid growth and reproduction

• Humans want and depend on most invasive species and purposely release them

Which of the following is an example of an invasive species?

• Angus Cow

• Emerald Ash Borer

• Maple Tree

• All of these are invasive

Could a whitetail deer be an invasive species?

• No, it is native

• Yes, always

• Yes, if it displaces other native species

• Only outside the US

Which of the following statements are supported by the Invasion Curve?

• The most effective method of eradicating invasive species is to prevent them from becoming established

• When most people become aware of an invasive species, it is already too late to eradicate them

• The cost of invasive species increases from their introduction to the point of public awareness

• All of these would be supported by the invasion curve