Invasive Species: Understanding Their Impact on Ecosystems

This video tutorial introduces the concept of invasive species, explaining the difference between introduced and invasive species. Introduced species are organisms brought into an ecosystem by human actions, often to restore balance, as seen in Yellowstone National Park with wolves. Invasive species, on the other hand, exploit unoccupied niches or outcompete native species, potentially disrupting ecosystems. Examples include hydrilla, cane toads, and the West Nile virus. The video aims to clarify these concepts for better understanding.

What is the primary difference between introduced and invasive species?

• Introduced species are brought by humans, while invasive species naturally occur.

• Introduced species are brought by humans, while invasive species can outcompete native species.

• Introduced species are always harmful, while invasive species are not.

• Introduced species are native, while invasive species are foreign.

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

• Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

• Hydrilla

• European starling

• Cane toad

Why were wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park?

• To study their behavior

• To control the deer population

• To restore the ecosystem balance

• To increase tourism

What characteristic allows invasive species to thrive in new environments?

• They are more colorful than native species

• They can occupy unoccupied niches or outcompete native species

• They are always larger than native species

• They reproduce slower than native species

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

• They can occupy unoccupied niches

• They can disrupt local ecosystems

• They always require human intervention to spread

• They can outcompete native species

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

• Hydrilla

• Giant panda

• Wolves in Yellowstone

• Bald eagle

What is a common effect of invasive species on native ecosystems?

• They always improve biodiversity

• They often lead to the decline of native species

• They have no impact on native species

• They only affect plant species

Which of the following is a known invasive species in the US?

• Bald eagle

• Cane toad

• American bison

• Monarch butterfly

What is the impact of the West Nile virus as an invasive species?

• It only affects aquatic life

• It is a threat to native species

• It has no effect on ecosystems

• It improves human health

What is the main takeaway about invasive species from the video?

• They are always introduced by humans

• They are beneficial to all ecosystems

• They only affect plant life

• They can disrupt and outcompete native species