Exploring the spread of invasive plants- The Hydrilla Game Laura Schendel- Outdoor Educator

What makes an organism an Invasive Species? Not native to the area Has no natural predators Outcompetes the native species for resources Reduces biodiversity

Allow for biodiversity Plants in Florida 4000 species 3000 NATIVE 1000 Non- Native Provide food & shelter Allow for biodiversity Cause no harm INVASIVE

Invasive Island Apple Snails

Hygrophila polysperma

Why should we control invasive species? Harm Caused by Invasive Species to Ecology Economy Health Invasive plants are interfering with navigation on Florida’s lakes and rivers. They’re blocking flood control devices and bridges, harboring mosquitoes, creating fire pathways to tree tops, tangling electrical lines, and generally being a nuisance or even dangerous for boaters, swimmers, hikers and homeowners.

Harm to Ecology 42% of threatened or endangered species at risk primarily due to invasive species. Invasive species are 2nd leading cause for endangered species (1st is loss of habitat) Reduces biodiversity and ecosystem stability; changes a field to forest; alters fire regimes. Biodiversity exists when species growth is controlled by natural factors such as: Competition with other native species Diseases Feeding by insects and other animals

The Hydrilla Game ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:  What is hydrilla and where is it found?  How does it get from one location to another?  What are hydrilla’s potential impacts on the ecosystems it inhabits? SCIENCE SUBJECTS: Biology, botany, earth science, ecology, environmental science, integrated science GRADE LEVEL: 5th grade, Middle School, High School and even adults Hydrilla verticillata

Free materials and Lesson Plans http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/education/curriculum.shtml

Plant Camp For Teachers http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/education/