Draw a dinosaur eating a cake atop a tall mountain
In a few words, tell me what you think an invasive species is.
Invasive species are plants or animals that come from another place and cause problems in their new home. They can spread quickly and take over areas where they don't belong. Just like how you wouldn't want a stranger to come into your house and take over, invasive species can harm the environment by pushing out native plants and animals. It's important to stop the spread of invasive species by not bringing plants or animals from one place to another without permission.
What Are Invasive Species?
sea lamprey zebra mussels purple looseleaf knotweed cane toad
Examples of Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that are not native to an area. They cause harm to the environment, economy, and human health. Humans often introduce invasive species accidentally or on purpose.
Invasive Species
Invasive species can spread rapidly due to their lack of natural predators or diseases in their new environment. Invasive species can disrupt the food chain of their new environment, as they compete for resources and may endanger native species. In some areas, invasive species have caused the extinction of native species in a matter of decades.
Did you know?
What is an example of an invasive species?
What are some of the ways invasive species can impact the environment?
How do your local ecosystems interact with invasive species?
What can individuals do to help prevent the spread of invasive species?
Brain break: Draw a giraffe wearing a tutu, holding a wand, and casting a spell.
What is an invasive species?
- A non-native species that causes harm to the environment and/or economy
- A non-native species that has no impact on the environment or economy
- A native species that causes harm to the environment and/or economy
Which of these is an example of an invasive plant?
What is one way invasive species can be introduced into new environments?
- Breeding programs
- Natural migration patterns
- Accidental release by humans
Why do invasive species often have no natural predators in their new environments?
- Because predators prefer native prey over non-native prey
- Because they are not part of the local food chain
- Because they are too small to be eaten by other animals
What is one way to help prevent the spread of invasive species?
- Release exotic pets into local ecosystems
- Clean your gear and equipment before entering a new area
- Import more non-native plants and animals
Work together in pairs: What are two ways that people can help prevent the spread of invasive species?