Invasive Species

What is an invasive species?

• A native (naturally found) species which are added to an area. 

• A non-native (not naturally found) species added to an area. 

• A keystone species in an environment

• none of the above

Answer explanation

An invasive species is defined as a non-native species that is introduced to an area, often disrupting local ecosystems. The correct choice highlights this definition, distinguishing it from native or keystone species.

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What makes a species invasive?

• Moving to a new ecosystem and taking resources from natives

• Not having papers

• Species that can't adapt

• Plants that take up too much space

Answer explanation

A species is considered invasive when it moves to a new ecosystem and competes for resources, often harming native species. This choice correctly identifies the key factor of resource competition in invasiveness.

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Invasive species can have a major impact on the ecosystem.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and introducing diseases. This can lead to significant ecological imbalances, making the statement TRUE.

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Invasive species can crowd out native species.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Invasive species often outcompete native species for resources like food and habitat, leading to a decline in native populations. Therefore, the statement that invasive species can crowd out native species is TRUE.

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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 fewer limiting factors in their new environment

• Invasive species keep the ecosystems in equilibrium.

Answer explanation

Invasive species grow quickly because they face fewer limiting factors, such as predators and diseases, in their new environment. This allows them to reproduce and spread rapidly, unlike native species that are more balanced by ecological constraints.

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Biodiversity refers to

• extinct species

• the variety of species on Earth

• nonrenewable resources

• the rate of species decline

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species on Earth, encompassing the different plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience, making 'the variety of species on Earth' the correct choice.

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The cane toad was brought to Australia from the island of Hawaii. The toad had been introduced to Hawaii some time earlier, but has not had the same kind of destructive effects there as it has in Australia.

What could explain why the toad has not become invasive in Hawaii as it did in Australia?

Answer explanation

The cane toad may not have become invasive in Hawaii due to different environmental conditions, lack of predators, or competition with native species, which could limit its population growth compared to Australia.

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How do invasive species affect the food chain?

• They have no effect on the food chain.

• They can disrupt the food chain by preying on native species.

• They help maintain the balance of the food chain.

• They only affect plant species.

Answer explanation

Invasive species can disrupt the food chain by preying on native species, leading to declines in those populations and altering the ecosystem balance. This can have cascading effects throughout the food web.

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Which of the following is a common characteristic of invasive species?

• They are always larger than native species.

• They reproduce quickly and in large numbers.

• They are always carnivorous.

• They require specific habitats to survive.

Answer explanation

A common characteristic of invasive species is that they reproduce quickly and in large numbers, allowing them to outcompete native species. The other options do not accurately describe invasive species.

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Which of these is NATIVE to Texas?

• Bison

• Chinese Tallow

• Fire ant

Answer explanation

Bison are native to Texas, having roamed the plains for centuries. In contrast, Chinese Tallow is an invasive species, and fire ants are not native to the region, making bison the correct choice.