Invasive Species Quiz

What is an invasive species?

• A species that is only found in zoos

• A native species that thrives in its environment

• An organism that is not native to a particular area and causes harm

• A species that is beneficial to the local ecosystem

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

• It is always beneficial to the local wildlife

• It harms the local economy or environment

• It adapts easily to new environments

• It reproduces quickly

How did zebra mussels arrive in the Great Lakes?

• They migrated naturally from the Black Sea

• They arrived accidentally on ships

• They were brought as pets

• They were intentionally introduced for pest control

What problem did the introduction of cats cause on Marion Island?

• They helped control the mouse population

• They endangered the local bird population

• They became a food source for local predators

• They improved the local ecosystem

Why do Burmese pythons thrive in the Everglades?

• They have many natural predators

• They are native to the Everglades

• They are protected by local laws

• They have few natural predators and plenty of food

What impact do nutria have on the Gulf Coast wetlands?

• They improve water quality

• They are a food source for local wildlife

• They destroy wetland grasses and habitats

• They help prevent soil erosion

What is a common method used to eradicate invasive species?

• Introducing more invasive species

• Using chemicals that harm all plants

• Educating the public about invasive species

• Ignoring the problem

What is a potential risk of introducing insects to control invasive species?

• The insects will only eat the invasive species

• The insects will not survive

• The insects may become invasive themselves

• The insects will improve the ecosystem

How can people help prevent the spread of invasive species?

• Take home animals from different ecosystems

• Plant non-native species in gardens

• Clean boats before moving to different waters

• Release pets into the wild

Why do we have to make sure we remove invasive species from our local ecosystem?