Invasive Species

What is an invasive species?

• A native organism that thrives in its natural habitat.

• A non-native organism that can cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.

• A species that is endangered and needs protection.

• A type of organism that is beneficial to the environment.

How do invasive species typically arrive in new areas?

• Through natural migration patterns

• By human activities such as shipping and trade

• Via climate change effects

• Through local wildlife interactions

What is the role of humans in the spread of invasive species?

• Humans have no impact on the spread of invasive species.

• Humans contribute by transporting invasive species through trade and travel.

• Humans only spread invasive species through gardening practices.

• Humans are responsible for the extinction of native species.

What is a food chain?

• A sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next, illustrating the flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem.

• A diagram that shows the different types of food in a diet.

• A list of all the animals in a specific habitat.

• A method of cooking food in a chain of restaurants.

What can be done to prevent the spread of invasive species?

• Cleaning boats before moving them between water bodies

• Planting more native species in the area

• Increasing the use of pesticides in agriculture

• Allowing unrestricted trade of all species

What is ecological balance?

• A state of equilibrium between organisms and their environment where species coexist without one dominating the others.

• A situation where one species completely controls the ecosystem.

• The process of eliminating invasive species from an environment.

• A method of increasing biodiversity by introducing new species.

Why are invasive species often successful in new environments?

• They have a high reproductive rate.

• They may have few or no natural predators in the new environment, allowing their populations to grow unchecked.

• They are more adaptable to climate changes than native species.

• They can outcompete native species for resources due to superior genetics.

What is a native species?

• A species that is found in multiple regions worldwide.

• An organism that naturally occurs in a specific region or ecosystem and has adapted to its environment over time.

• A species that has been introduced to a new environment by humans.

• A type of species that is endangered and at risk of extinction.

What is ballast water?

• Water used for drinking on ships

• Water taken on by ships to provide stability

• Water used for cleaning the ship's hull

• Water that is only found in freshwater lakes

What happens when a new predator is introduced to a food chain?

• The predator increases the population of its prey.

• The predator has no effect on the food chain.

• The predator can decrease the population of its prey, which can have cascading effects on the entire food chain.

• The predator will only affect the plants in the food chain.