Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I was looking to interview people and my teacher said I could here, so could anyone answer these following questions:

What negative effects does Scotch Broom have on ecosystems?

How could those effects turn into long-term problems?

Does Scotch Broom have any posotive effects, if so what?

How is Scotch Broom effecting wildlife?

What ways do our parks get rid of Scotch Broom?

Are there any other ways you recommend or have heard of?

Is there any other information you think I should know?

Hi,

I don't have direct answers, but perhaps I can help you sort out the questions you've asked.

You have a good start with a research question, "What negative effects does Scotch Broom have on ecosystems?"

For your research project, you'll want to think of alternative answers to this question (hypotheses) -- you have suggested a few hypotheses already: 1) Scotch Broom affects wildlife, 2) Scotch Broom causes long-term problems in the ecosystem, 3) Scotch Brooms has positive effects, too.

Your research project would involve an experiment to test one or more of these hypotheses, such as finding out whether Scotch Broom affects wildlife. You might learn about that by investigating a variety of places, such as parks, to observe the effects or gather data about studies that have been performed over time in those places.

You also asked, "How do parks get rid of Scotch Broom" -- that's another research question. You could focus on that question if you prefer. Then you'd start with some hypotheses about methods that work and try to gather data to see what's been most effective. If I were pursuing this question, I'd search for information online and I'd ask park rangers in the area where I live.

I hope this has been helpful. Please do write again if you'd like to discuss more how your interviews relate to your science fair project.

Bill

Hi,

First off, are you looking for experts to help answer your questions or are you planning to design an experiment where you plan to answer such questions?

Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) is an invasive species to the United States. So it is only "harmful" to the ecosystem in regards to where you are. Scotch Broom is native to Europe. However, in Europe, it is known to be toxic to livestock (read the first link below).

The control of its growth can be through biological, mechanical, or chemical means. Also read the first link.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo ... nw/pnw103/

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plan ... room.shtml

http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/weedboard/htm_weed/sb.htm

http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/a ... broom.aspx

Hope that helps!

Phong