Native Versus Invasive Plants and Their Impact on Ecosystems

Estefany from the San Diego River Park Foundation explains the difference between native and invasive species, their impact on ecosystems, and how they arrive. The video highlights invasive species in the San Diego River area and offers ways to help combat them, such as cleaning hiking gear, volunteering, and using the iNaturalist app. It also encourages using art to raise awareness, with a youth art contest as part of the Invasive Species Action Week.

What is a native species?

• A species that is introduced to a new environment

• A species that naturally occurs and thrives in a specific ecosystem

• A species that causes harm to its environment

• A species that is beneficial to humans

How do invasive species typically affect ecosystems?

• They disrupt the balance and outcompete native species

• They maintain the balance of the ecosystem

• They have no impact on the ecosystem

• They help native species thrive

What is the difference between invasive and non-native species?

• Invasive species are native to the area

• Non-native species cannot survive in new environments

• Non-native species are always beneficial

• Invasive species are always harmful, while non-native species are not

How can invasive species be introduced to new areas?

• Only through natural migration

• By accident or intentional human actions

• Through climate change

• By native species

Which of the following is an example of an invasive plant in the San Diego River area?

• Maple tree

• Oak tree

• Crown daisy

• Sunflower

What is one way individuals can help prevent the spread of invasive species?

• Avoid participating in community clean-ups

• Clean hiking gear to avoid transporting seeds

• Release pets into the wild

• Plant more non-native species

What is the role of a citizen scientist in combating invasive species?

• To plant invasive species

• To document plants using apps like iNaturalist

• To ignore invasive species

• To only focus on native species

How can art be used to raise awareness about invasive species?

• By creating advertisements for invasive species

• By making art that highlights the beauty of invasive species

• By educating others through creative projects like posters

• By ignoring the issue in art

What is the theme of the youth art contest mentioned in the video?

• Protect the Oceans

• Be a Habitat Hero

• Save the Trees

• Endangered Species Awareness

What is the deadline for the youth art contest?

• May 1st

• June 1st

• April 1st

• July 1st