Native Species and Ecosystem Impact in Florida's Wetlands

The video explores native and non-native species in Florida, focusing on the impact of non-native species like the giant apple snail and water hyacinth. It highlights the invasive Burmese python's effect on the Everglades and introduces the USGS NASS database, a tool for tracking non-native species. The video encourages public participation in reporting sightings to help manage these species.

Which of the following is considered a native species in Florida?

• Giant apple snail

• West Indian manatee

• Burmese python

• Water hyacinth

What is a characteristic of non-native species?

• They cannot become part of the food web.

• They are always beneficial to the ecosystem.

• They are introduced outside their known historic range.

• They are only found in aquatic environments.

How can the giant apple snail be identified as a non-native species?

• By the coil of its shell

• By the color of its shell

• By its small size

• By its inability to reproduce

What makes a species invasive?

• It cannot reproduce in the new environment.

• It causes harm to the ecosystem.

• It is native to the area.

• It is beneficial to agriculture.

Which invasive species is known to affect the Everglades ecosystem?

• Snail kite

• West Indian manatee

• American alligator

• Burmese python

What is a potential impact of the water hyacinth?

• It provides food for native fish.

• It interferes with boat navigation.

• It reduces the spread of other plants.

• It improves water quality.

What is the purpose of the NASS database?

• To eliminate all non-native species

• To collect data on non-native species

• To promote the introduction of new species

• To track native species only

How can the public contribute to the NASS database?

• By removing native species

• By ignoring non-native species

• By introducing new species

• By reporting sightings of non-native species

What information is required to report a non-native species sighting?

• The species' diet

• The species' lifespan

• The species' native range

• The location and date of the sighting

What is a feature of the NASS database that helps in reporting sightings?

• It only accepts reports from scientists.

• It provides a map to pinpoint locations.

• It does not allow photo uploads.

• It requires a fee to access.