Invasive Species *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
Invasive species are organisms (either plant or animal) that have been introduced into a new, non-native area and spread rapidly in the new environment due to a lack of regulation by predators. Frequently, invasive species will out-compete native species for resources which can put native species at risk. This is an especially big problem for threatened habitat and endangered species, which are already at risk. Survey your area to document cases of invasive species invading a local environment. Experiment with different methods to control an invasive species (pulling invasive plants vs. using herbicides, using insecticides vs. selectively culling destructive invasive insects, trapping small animals vs. introducing native predators). You can also experiment with invasive species to document the rate of invasion, called encroachment, into a new environment. (Douce and Moorhead, 2006; NPS, 2006)Share your story with Science Buddies!
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Last edit date: 2013-01-10
Bibliography
- Douce, G.K. and D.J. Moorhead, 2006. "Invasive Species," Tifton, GA: University of Georgia. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://www.invasive.org/.
- NPS, 2006. "National Park Service," Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior. [accessed: 3/1/2006] http://www.nps.gov/.
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