Use an inquiry based approach to understand how the problem of invasive species is influencing the decline of biodiversity worldwide.

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Objectives

· Use an inquiry based approach to understand how the problem of invasive species is influencing the decline of biodiversity worldwide.

· Sensitize students to the economic and ecological impact of invasive species.

· Differentiate between native, exotic and invasive species.

· Improve computer skills, as well as research and writing ability.

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Background

In the process of humans moving around the world, they have transported other organisms around the world. Some species were intentionally moved, such as bringing livestock and food with them. Other species were accidentally moved, such as stowaway rats that followed the humans. A native (indigenous) species is one that occurred naturally in a habitat before humans migrated to the area. Thus a species is native to a particular area and habitat. For instance, Dallas was originally Blackland Prairie with many grass and wildflower species occurring here. The Eastern gray squirrel, which lives in forests, is native to the forests of eastern Texas but not to the Dallas region. An exotic (introduced) species is a species that was somehow moved by humans. An invasive species is an exotic species that is reproductively uncontrolled. These species cause environmental, economic, and sometimes health problems.

Introduction

Exercise 1 is made up of a short 10 minute video and an optional longer video. Both of these videos explore the problem of invasive species and have been added to gain insight into this growing problem. Exercise 2 consists of creating a PowerPoint presentation over the invasive species of your choice. It will be submitted under the discussion board for a total of 40 points.

Exercise 1: Invasive Species Video

For this activity you will watch a short video about invasive species. Watch “Invasive Species Spreading Across America” by CBS at:

Short CBS News Segment over Invasive Species

For an alternate longer movie about invasive species. Watch “Silent Invasion” by Oregon Public Broadcasting at:

“Silent Invasion Movie” about Invasive Species

Exercise 2: Invasive Species Presentation

Presentation Basics

1. Below is a list of invasive species found in Texas. Select a species to profile from that list. Submit in the discussion board for 5 extra points. Once a species has been taken no one else can pick it.

1. Create a PowerPoint presentation with the required information listed below. Submit under discussion board for a total of 40 points.

1. Presentation should be between 7-10 minutes long (if you were presenting it).

1. Four citations required. At least one book, magazine or journal. Not all internet sites.

Select a species to research that will be the basis for your project. Make sure your species is an invasive species. A list of invasive species in Texas is included at the end of this handout. You can use the following websites for more information.

· Learn about invasive plants in Texas at http://www.texasinvasives.org/

· Download an information sheet on Texas invasive species at http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/invasive_species/texas1-1.pdf

· Investigate invasive species at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml

· Explore more at NOVA’s website on invasive species at

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/algae/

Information to Research (3 pts each)

· Name of Invasive species (common and scientific)

· Photographs or images of the species

· Information on how to identify the species

· Native distribution of the species

· History of the invasion

· Distribution of the species in Texas

· Basic information/ interesting facts about your species

· Ecologic and economic impact of the species

· Legality of buying or owning the species

*Connection to Research* (6 points)

· A way in which you are separated by “ six degrees of separation ” from the invasive plant or animal you chose (connections through food chains, resource use, ecosystems, or anything else.) These connections can be very direct or indirect, but exemplify the idea that all life is connected, and that our actions affect other species to some degree whether consciously or unconsciously. Do not leave this out. Have a discussion with classmates or me to get ideas.

Example: I live next to a noisy street, to block out noise I planted a row of bamboo. Golden

bamboo is an invasive species and it may spread through the neighborhood.

Aesthetics (3 pts each)

· Your work will be graded on grammar and spelling, as well as the aesthetics (how nice it looks). Any format error you may encounter can likely be resolved by googling the issue; ex. “How do I adjust table size in word?” Often, instructional videos on formatting in word are posted on youtube.com

Citation ( 1 pts each)

· You must include a written citation of at least 4 different sources.

· Citation must include at least one book, journal or magazine. (Basically not all internet sites.)

· Use the following guidelines to cite your work:

· Book: Last name, first name. Title of the book. Place of publication: publisher, year published.

· Magazine: Last name, first name. “Article title.” Title of magazine volume number if given.

El Centro College

Online ENVR 1401

Invasive Species Presentation Instructions

· Internet: Title of the page, date last updated if provided. Web address (the http:// stuff).

Invasive Species of Texas

Plants

1- Bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum)

2- Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

3- Brazilian vervain (Verbena brasiliensis)

4- Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach)

5- Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)

6- Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera)

7- Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

8- Common periwinkle (Vinca minor)

9- Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

10- Giant reed (Arundo donax)

11- Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum)

12- Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

13- Guineagrass (Urochloa maxima)

14- Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

15- Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

16- Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)

17- King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica)

18- Lilac chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

19- Pincushions (Scabiosa atropurpurea)

20- Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

21- Redtip photinia (Photinia spp.)

Animals

22- Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea)

23- Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata)

24- Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)

25- Rock pigeon (Columba livia)

26- European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

27- House sparrow (Passer domesticus)

28- Feral cat (Felis catus)

29- Feral pig (Sus scrofa)

30- Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

31- Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

 

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