12/2/13

Tonight's homework is to complete Assignment 23 and then read the following to prepare for tomorrow's investigation of an invasive species:

and...

"A Delicate Pacific Seaweed Is Now A Monster Of The Deep" - New York Times, August 1997.

Assignment 23 - Invasion!

Your task is to investigate invasive species that are currently affecting ecosystems in New York State (or at least are of concern within the state). Choose at one animal and one plant to investigate. In each case that you investigate, think about and record the species’

• Basic characteristics
• Origins
• Impact on ecosystems
• Any methods of intervention or control

Access the class website and the links under today’s post to obtain information.

After you become more familiar with the relevant characteristics of your invasive species, take a moment to summarize and explicitly state what makes your species of interest an invasive species as well as why people are concerned about it.

Some species of interest:

• Emerald Ash Borer
• Hydrilla
• Asian Longhorned Beetle
• Japanese Knotweed
• Northern Snakehead Fish
• Giant Hogweed
• Feral swine

When asked, you will share information about organism that you felt was of greatest interest and concern with your group.

Invasion! Thinking and Discussion Questions

Answer all of the following questions to the best of your ability and in complete sentences. Use examples and class vocabulary to create the best responses possible. Support your answers with references to what you investigated or heard about today.

1. Why discuss or be concerned with invasive species?

2. Realistically, what can be done about invasive species?

3. In the end, are invasive species a problem? When answering this question, think about your perspective and the principles of sustainability (reliance on solar energy, nutrient cycling, population control, and biodiversity) as well.


Use the following links to gain information about invasive species - especially those that impact New York State.

New York State Invasive Species information

Other invasive species of interest:
European rabbits
Kudzu

Homework reading - "A Delicate Pacific Seaweed Is Now A Monster Of The Deep" - New York Times, August 1997.