Nonnative+Species

__**Wanted Flyer Project**__ **-** **Follow the steps outlined below:**

(1) Read the paragraph below and familiarize yourself with the nonnative species.

Species of plants and animals that live in but are not naturally from an area are known as **nonnative species**. They are often referred to as //invasive// //species// or //exotic species//. When nonnative species enter into an ecosystem, they can disrupt the natural balance of the native community.

(2) Download the template below and fill in the missing information using your chosen species. If using an older computer, use the pages document rather than the word doc:





(3) Choose a nonnative species from one of the websites below:

Websites: [|Aquatic Plants and Animals], [|Invasive Plants] , [|Reptiles and Amphibians]

(4) Print your poster; and put your name/date/period on the back.

__**EXTENSION ACTIVITY (To be completed after you print your poster)**__ A. Read the following passage and answer the proceeding questions on separate sheet of paper:


 * Species of plants and animals that live in but are not naturally from (native) that area are known as ** __nonnative species__ ** sometimes referred to as //invasive// or //exotic species//. **** Established ecosystems have developed their own natural balance and controls over time, and the plants and animals within those systems find this balance suitable for survival, or they have been able to adapt in order to survive within those conditions. When non-native species from other ecosystems are introduced, they can upset that balance and bring harm to the established plants and animals, and the whole ecosystem. ** ** When nonnative species enter into an ecosystem, they can disrupt the natural balance, reduce biodiversity, degrade habitats, alter native genetic diversity, transmit exotic diseases to native species, and further jeopardize endangered plants and animals. When there are no established natural controls, such as predators to keep the non-native harmful species in check, it is common for a population explosion of the invasive non-native species causing an ecological catastrophe. **

1. What does nonnative mean? 2. Nonnative species may also be referred to as ___ and__ __. 3. What are 5 ways in which nonnative species may impact native communities? 4. Why is it common for a nonnative species' population to explode (Increase)?


 * Not all non-native species are invasive and harmful. Many foods that we farm and eat have been introduced from other regions of the world. **** But many nonnative species can completely take over and entirely change whole established ecosystems. These are the non-natives that ****// invade //**** an established environment; therefore, they are ****// invasive //**** . **** Invasive species **** may be as harmless looking as green plants or a frog. They don't have to be vicious looking to bring harm to an area. They may even be beautiful to look at. This could have a detrimental effect on native species if bees or other pollinators preferred the flowering displays of the invasive species over the native species. **

5. May a nonnative species be beneficial? Explain. 6. Why is the term //invasive// often used to describe nonnative species?


 * Many non-native species have been transported in the ballast water of ships and then are released into the waters in ports of call. Many more non-native species arrive in the products that are imported from other countries. Inspecting shipments of goods is overwhelming our human resources, such as in Florida where they have approximately 12,000 shipments of animals per year and only 8 inspectors. There has been an ever-increasing amount of international world trade in exotic species in exporting and importing of plants and animals (such as ornamental tropical fish, rainforest birds, exotic plants, and various species introduced for a purpose). **


 * Other occurrences of non-native species being introduced to an area have been from aquaculture escapes, aquarium releases, state government bio-control, planting fish for sport fishing, and individuals that bring in species for various reasons (pets, flowers), accidentally or on purpose. **

7. List 5 ways in which nonnative species may be introduced to new geographic region.