P.225.4 Topic: Exotic versus Invasive Species

Topic: Exotic versus Invasive Species

Sometimes humans intentionally or unintentionally cause major changes to ecosystems by introducing new and/or exotic species (Weeds Gone Wild, n.d.). One classic example of an alien invasion is the introduction of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) to the United States. Read the following information provided by the U.S. Forest Service on the gypsy moth:

U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Gypsy moth in North America. Retrieved from https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/gm/risk_detection_spread/gm_spread_north_america/

Watch the video from CBS news to learn about this crisis.

CBS. (2007, June 13). Gypsy moths decimate forests (CBS News) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/N-3-hIj-6cs

Now, visit the following websites and research an invasive species currently found in your local area or in a place that you have visited in the recent past.

• USDA National Agricultural Library. Retrieved from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/
• Least Wanted: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: PCA. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/alien/factmain.htm
• National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC). U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

Compare one invasive species you found in your research to the classic example of the gypsy moth and/or to cases found by your classmates by considering the following:

• What is the invasive species you chose and where is it currently having an impact?
• Where did your invasive species originate from?
• How did it reach its new home?
• What conditions have allowed this species to become invasive (e.g., missing predator, etc.)?
• What effects is it having on its new ecosystem (include both positive and/or negative impacts)?
• What, if anything, is being done to control it now?
• In the gypsy moth example, what could have been done to prevent this invasion?

Be sure to address all Discussion Board topics in an original, well-thought-out, respectful manner. Main posts should fully and completely discuss each question posed and make frequent, informed references to this unit’s material. Engage in ongoing, productive conversation by responding to a minimum of two classmates per topic. Responses to classmates should be at least 50 words. Remember, you will learn more by sharing ideas!

Please note: Borrowed material (quotes, summaries, or paraphrases) should make up no more than 10% of the total word count for all written assignments in this course, including Discussion. All writing must be in your own words and borrowed material must be properly cited and referenced.

Reference:

Weeds Gone Wild, NPS. (n.d.). Definitions. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/alien/bkgd.htm