Invasive Species.pptx

Invasive Species Alien Invasion ● Invasive Species ● Non-Native (exotic, alien) ● BUT ALSO disrupt the native ecosystem → Biodiversity Loss ● Have serious implications on aspects of Social, Economy, Environment, and Politics (SEEP) **Generally consume a lot of resources and space, and outcompete n...

Invasive Species Alien Invasion ● Invasive Species ● Non-Native (exotic, alien) ● BUT ALSO disrupt the native ecosystem → Biodiversity Loss ● Have serious implications on aspects of Social, Economy, Environment, and Politics (SEEP) **Generally consume a lot of resources and space, and outcompete native species Why the US Army Electrifies This Water (7:42) Watch this video about an example of an invasive species and related issues. Asian Carp Pathway s Invasive species can enter through different pathways, but natural and human influenced, such as: • increased urbanization: people move from one area to another, and they can be transported through movement of materials • expanding transportation networks: pests can stow away on cars or in materials that are moved along new roads into new areas Natural dispersal from neighbouring locations: • Flying insects, such as Emerald Ash Borer, can spread into new areas by flying into adjacent areas to those already affected. • Spores of invasive diseases or fungus can be spread when insects or animals pick up these spores on their fur or bodies and transfer them to another spot. • Insects or spores of invasive diseases could be spread into adjacent areas by being carried in gusts of winds. • Invasive horticultural or ornamental Artificial spread influenced by humans: • Travelling on wooden crates being imported into the country. • Stowing away in luggage when travelers return home from other countries. • The movement of firewood or other forest materials. • Transfer of spores of invasive species from one area to another: people don’t properly clean hiking boots • Boating, Fishing Equipment, Ballast It’s such a problem, the Canadian government has put together an entire website for Canadians on relevant information pertaining to them: https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/learn/p athways/ Common Characteristics - Invasive Species ● Rapid growth and short life cycle ● Able to grow in a wide range of habitats/climates ● Require a lot of space ● Disperse quickly ● No natural predators ● Wide diet range (not picky eaters) They themselves are called generalists and there is great ecological damage when they outcompete specialists Solutions? ●Mechanical/Manual Control ●Chemical Control ●Biological Control ●Prevention Mechanical/Manual Control Chemical Control Biological Control Prevention is key! Invasive Impacts ●Invasive Species Clips ● Asian carp - (3 min) ● Feral pigs/hogs - (2 min) ● TED Talk - invasive species (5 minutes) ● While watching, note some of the SEEP connections (Social, Environmental, Economic and Political impacts) Invent an Invasive Species - in small groups, sketch,draw, or describe…. be creative (share your finished product with me and include group member names Remember - common characteristics of invasive species ● Rapid growth and short life cycle ● Able to grow in a wide range of habitats/climates ● Require a lot of space ● Disperse quickly ● No natural predators ● Wide diet range (not picky eaters) They themselves are called generalists and there can be great ecological damage when they outcompete specialists