Invasive Species

Front

What are invasive species?

Back

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.

Front

How do invasive species impact ecosystems?

Back

Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and introducing diseases.

Front

What is one way invasive species can affect the economy?

Back

Invasive species can lead to increased management costs, loss of agricultural productivity, and damage to fisheries.

Front

True or False: Invasive species are harmful only to the ecosystems they invade.

Back

False. Invasive species can also have significant economic impacts.

Front

What is a common characteristic of invasive species?

Back

Invasive species often reproduce quickly and have few natural predators in their new environment.

Front

What does it mean for a species to be non-native?

Back

A non-native species is one that is introduced to an area where it does not naturally occur.

Front

How can invasive species crowd out native species?

Back

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and space, leading to declines in native populations.

Front

What is hybridization in the context of invasive species?

Back

Hybridization occurs when invasive species breed with native species, potentially creating hybrids that can further disrupt local ecosystems.

Front

Give an example of an invasive plant species.

Back

Kudzu is an example of an invasive plant species that can overgrow and outcompete native plants.

Front

What role do invasive species play in altering soil chemistry?

Back

Some invasive species can change the nutrient composition of the soil, affecting the growth of native plants.