1. Where in the world did it come from?

2. Directions
You will be shown a series of pictures of plants and animals. Some of them have evolved in this area and are living within their normal range. They are called native or indigenous.
Some of them are from not from here and are living outside their normal range. They are called introduced or exotic.
Some of them do not upset the balance of ecosystems and are harmless or sometimes beneficial.
Some of them upset the balance of ecosystems and are harmful or invasive.
The following chart organizes the four possibilities. Make a quick 3 by 3 chart in your note book leaving space for answers.

3. Not invasive or Does No Harm to Ecosystems
Invasive – causes damage to ecosystems
With in its normal range
Indigenous/Native
Quadrant 1
Eg. Douglas Fir
Quadrant 2
Eg. Western Pine Beetle
Not Within its normal range
Introduced/Alien/
Exotic
Quadrant 3
Eg. Carrots
Quadrant 4
Eg. Yellow Perch
Go over this table with the class. Explain that they will be seeing pictures of plants and animals. When the picture is shown and the name, hold up 1 finger for Quadrant 1, 2 fingers for Quadrant 2, 3 fingers for Quadrant 3, and 4 fingers for Quadrant 4. You may want to print off this table and give it to the students. At the end of this lesson you may want to ask students to add examples of their own to each quadrant. In cases where the origin or the invasiveness is not know the internet can be used to verify.

4. When you see the picture, decide if the animal or plant would fit into quadrant 1,2,3,or 4.
Hold up fingers to indicate the quadrant. Hold up 1 finger for quadrant 1, 2 fingers for quadrant 2 etc.
See which answer is suggested and discuss if you disagree. Answers may vary according to where you live and according to personal point of view. Be sure to be able to back up your answer with examples.
Quickly jot down the name in the quadrant it belongs. Look for patterns and try to think of your own examples.

5. Bald Eagle Indigenous Not invasive Quadrant 1
                                
Not invasive
A well known B.C. Bird that feeds largely on fish.
Quadrant 1

6. European Rabbit Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
In the 1850’s 12 pairs of European Rabbits were brought to Australia from Britain. By 1935 there were over 3 Billion rabbits in Australia. They were destroying the dry grassland ecosystems and causing attacked only the rabbits and brought them under control. Recently rabbits became a problem in Kelowna B.C. when unwanted rabbits were released.

7. Carrots Introduced Not invasive Quadrant 3
Most of our garden crops are introduced. They do not become invasive.

8. Pumpkinseed Fish Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
A member of the sunfish family illegally moved from lake to lake by anglers. Did not evolve in B.C. And estroys native aquatic ecosystems by competing for food and space with our native species. They are voracious feeders and prolific reproducers. They also eat the eggs and fry of native species.

9. Beaver Indigenous Not invasive Quadrant 1
                                
Not invasive
Some farmers and water managers consider the beaver to be invasive because it dams waterways and creates wetlands. Some people believe it helps create more wetland habitat.
Quadrant 1

10. Horse Introduced Not invasive Quadrant 3
Brought to North America in the 1700’s by the Spanish. There are a few herds that have become wild and survived. One such herd is said to roam the Chilcotin plateau.

11. Western Painted Turtle
Indigenous
                                
Not invasive
Has a painted design on it’s dorsal plate. These are wild creatures and should be left in the wild. Are known to carry salmonella bacteria.
Quadrant 1

12. Red eared slider Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
This turtle is often sold in pet stores and is said to carry disease. Some people introduce these into wild ecosystems when they no longer want them. These introduced critters compete with our native Painted turtles for habitat and food. Their native range is east of the Rockies.

13. Gold Fish Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
Unwanted goldfish have been released into ponds around B.C. Some times they are diseased or just not wanted any more. Others have been flushed down the toilet or released into storm drains which are not a humane or ecologically safe practices. Brainstorm some safe, humane alternatives.
Quadrant 4

14. European Starling Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
                                                            
Introduced
Invasive
In the late 1800’s an ornithologist thought it would be “nice” to have examples of all the European birds in Central Park in New York City. A small number of Starlings were introduced. Since that time, they have spread all over North America and reak havoc on fruit crops and on native song birds. In the Vernon area of B.C. for example, thousands of dollars are spend annually to control these birds.
Quadrant 4

15. Not invasive but can cause problems for people
Canada Goose
Indigenous
Not invasive but can cause problems for people
Some people consider the Canada Goose to be invasive. Many Canada Geese have “moved to the cities” where there is lots of green grass to feed on and very few predators. They “poop” on the lawns and beaches and that can make it unpleasant for people. Sometimes they cause proplems around airports.
Quadrant 1,2 debatable

16. Black Squirel Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
                                                            
Introduced
Invasive
Black squirrels were introduced into B.C. They have displaced our native red squirrels and prey on song birds nests. They are a problem in Stanley Park.
Quadrant 4

17. Gypsy Moth Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
                                                    
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4
The Gypsy Moth is believed to have “hitch hiked” into B.C. with wood from over seas. It has threatened our native forests. Whole cities have been spayed by “crop dusters” to control this insect.

18. California Quail Introduced Not invasive Quadrant 3
                                                    
Introduced
Not invasive
Quadrant 3
California Quail were introduced into B.C. to provide hunting opportunities. They have survived in some areas and are enjoyed by bird watchers. They are seldom if ever hunted.

19. Scotch Broom Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
                                                                                 
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4
Scotch Broom was introduced into Vancouver Island and is taking over the unique Gary Oak ecosystems.

20. Purple Loosestrife Introduced Invasive Quadrant 4
                                                                                          
                                                                                         
Purple Loosestrife
Introduced
Invasive
Purple Loosestrife produces hundreds of thousands of seeds and takes over aquatic habitats. It can be identified by its purple flowers and a square stem. It needs to be caught and irradicated early. Pulling and destroying purple loose strife is a good action project for school classes. Be careful to pull it before it goes to seed.
Quadrant 4

21. Caribou Indigenous Not invasive Quadrant 1
One of B.C.’s unique organisms. The Caribou is threatened by habitat loss.

22. House Cat
Introduced
Invasive if released to wild
Quadrant 4

23. Dandelion
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

24. Yellow Perch
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

25. Bass
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

26. Rainbow Trout Indigenous Not invasive Quadrant 1
                                
Not invasive
The rainbow trout evolved in B.C. and has spread throughout B.C. as the ice from the last ice age began receding around 12,000 years ago. B.C. is world famous for its rainbow trout fishing. Rainbow trout are raised in hatcheries and stocked into lakes all over B.C. to provide fishing opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Quadrant 1

27. Eurasian Milfoil
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

28. Bull Frog
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

29. Pacific Chorus Frog
Indigenous
Not invasive
Quadrant 1

30. Western Pine Beetle Indigenous Invasive Quadrant 2
The Western Pine Beetle is devastating pine forests around B.C. It is believed that very cold winter temperatures that once controlled Pine are no longer of sufficient duration. Global warming may create other situations like this as plants and animals change their range.
Quadrant 2

31. English Sparrow
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

32. Coyote
Indigenous
Not invasive
Quadrant 1

33. Black Crappie
Introduced
Invasive
Quadrant 4

34. See if you can add two or three of your own examples to each quadrant
See if you can add two or three of your own examples to each quadrant. Discuss your examples with a class mate.
Can you make a generalized statement based on the patterns you observe? Write it in your note book.
The following slide gives an example of a generalized statement from the Ministry of Environment.

36. Mother Nature
Knows Best