E73 Introduced Species

E73 Introduced Background Introduced, non-native, non-indigenous, and exotic are all words used to describe species that humans have introduced outside of the species normal environment range. Nile perch was put in Lake Victoria on purpose. Sometimes species are introduced accidentally Zebra mussels were introduced accidentally in the U.S. and cause $5 billion damage annually.

E73 Introduced Procedure Get a textbook and turn to p E11. Each table will read about a different species. Take good notes because you will report what you read to the class. You will tell the class: Common and scientific name of your species Its effect on people and ecosystems Reasons for its “success” Why its “success” may grow and spread

E73 Species: Kudzu

E73 Species: Kudzu Kudzu = Pueraria lobata (fast growing vine) Brought to southern US from Japan in 1920’s For food for farm animals and cut soil erosion It overgrows forests, chokes ecosystems, and its weight pulls down power lines

E73 Species: Tiger Mosquito

E73 Species: Tiger Mosquito Tiger Mosquito = Aedes albopictus Brought to southern US from Asia accidentally Aggressive insects that can spread diseases by spreading germs from the animals it stung. People are tying to use insecticide to kill it.

E73 Species: Nutria

E73 Species: Nutria Nutria = Myocastor coypus Brought from South America for their fur but escaped into the wild in southern US Large beaver-like rodents damaging marshes Duck hunters, bird watchers, fishermen, and hikers are concerned. Hunting is one option for controlling it

E73 Species: Hydrilla

E73 Species: Hydrilla Hydrilla = Hydrilla verticillata Brought from Europe in 1950 as aquarium plants, they spread through southern US Choke out native plants, ruin native animal ecosystems, get tangled in boats, and clog up city water pipes.

E73 Species: Longhorn Beetle

E73 Species: Longhorn Beetle Longhorn Beetle = Anoplophora glabripennis Wood boring beetle from Japan now in the northeast US is hard to kill. It eats holes in trees like maples, making the trees weak enough to die. The main way to stop them from spreading is to cut down all of the trees they like.

E73 Species: Purple Loosestrife

E73 Species: Purple Loosestrife Purple loosestrife = Lythrum salicaria Weeds with purple flowers brought in 1800’s from Europe as medicine and for landscaping. Now everywhere across the US but Florida. People still plant it in their yards sometimes. It totally takes over an area, crowding out native species and damages marsh ecosystems Tough to get rid of. Marshes are disappearing.

E73 Species: Starling

E73 Species: Starling Starling = Sturnus vulgaris Brought from Europe in 1861, now the most common bird in America. Eat crops, seeds and animal feed. They eat anything and spread many diseases to animals Population has dropped a bit lately.

E73 Species: Brown Tree Snake

E73 Species: Brown Tree Snake Brown Tree Snake = Boiga irregularis In Guam accidentally from New Guinea by crawling on cargo planes Bites people, while the numbers of birds, bats and lizards have gone down too. Climb power lines and cause power to go out.

E73 Introduced Analysis: Date_______ Name______________________ Hr__ Answer each question in a complete paragraph. What effect can an introduced species have on an environment? Give examples. What, if anything, should be done to control introduced species? Give examples. Can introduced species do good? Explain. Should people be allowed to introduce new species, or only governments? Explain.

E73 Introduced Analysis: Date_______ Name______________________ Hr__ Answer each question in a complete paragraph. What effect can an introduced species have on an environment? Give examples. What, if anything, should be done to control introduced species? Give examples. Can introduced species do good? Explain. Should people be allowed to introduce new species, or only governments? Explain.