6 Surprisingly Helpful Invasive Species

The video explores the concept of invasive species, highlighting both their negative and positive impacts on ecosystems. It discusses examples like the brown tree snake in Guam, horses in the US, tamarisk shrubs, honeysuckle, European green crabs, Gracilaria seaweed, and Aldabra giant tortoises. The video suggests rethinking the term 'invasive species' as these organisms can sometimes benefit their new environments.

What is a common characteristic of invasive species like the brown tree snake in Guam?

• They always improve local biodiversity.

• They often lack natural predators in new environments.

• They are always beneficial to their new ecosystems.

• They are native to the regions they inhabit.

Why are horses considered a beneficial invasive species in the United States?

• They do not compete with other animals for resources.

• They have been crucial in transportation and agriculture.

• They were originally native to the US and never left.

• They have no impact on local vegetation.

How did the tamarisk shrub benefit the southwestern willow flycatcher?

• By providing a new food source.

• By offering nesting sites as native vegetation declined.

• By increasing water availability.

• By reducing competition from other bird species.

What mutualistic relationship has honeysuckle formed in Central Pennsylvania?

• With local mammals for shelter.

• With insects for pollination.

• With fish for habitat.

• With birds for seed dispersal.

In what way have European green crabs positively impacted Cape Cod's ecosystem?

• By enhancing the growth of native plants.

• By providing a new food source for local birds.

• By reducing soil erosion caused by purple marsh crabs.

• By increasing the population of native fish.

What role does Gracilaria vermiculophylla play in its new environments?

• It provides essential vegetation where native habitats have declined.

• It solely benefits human industries.

• It decreases biodiversity by outcompeting all native species.

• It increases water pollution in estuaries.

How have Aldabra giant tortoises helped restore ecosystems on certain islands?

• By spreading seeds of native plants.

• By reducing human impact on the islands.

• By increasing the population of native birds.

• By eliminating invasive predators.