What are Invasive Species? AP Environmental Science - Definition & Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌱 Definition: Invasive species are organisms that are not native to an ecosystem and cause harm.
• ⚠️ Characteristics: They often reproduce quickly, lack natural predators in their new environment, and are highly adaptable.
• 🌍 Impacts: Invasive species can lead to habitat loss, decreased biodiversity, economic damage, and even human health problems.
• 🚢 Introduction: They can be introduced intentionally (e.g., ornamental plants) or unintentionally (e.g., ballast water in ships).
• 🛡️ Control: Prevention is key! Control methods include physical removal, chemical treatments, and biological control (introducing natural predators).
• ⚖️ Ecological disruption: Often outcompete native species for resources like food, water and sunlight.
• 📝 Examples: Examples include zebra mussels, kudzu, snakehead fish, and the brown tree snake.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of an invasive species?
   1. A species that is native to an ecosystem.
   2. A species that benefits the ecosystem it inhabits.
   3. A non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
   4. A species that is endangered.


2. Which of the following characteristics often contributes to a species becoming invasive?
   1. Slow reproduction rate.
   2. Specialized diet.
   3. Lack of natural predators in the new environment.
   4. High susceptibility to disease.


3. What is a common way invasive species are introduced into new environments?
   1. Natural migration patterns.
   2. Intentional introduction as biological control agents (always).
   3. Ballast water in ships.
   4. Decreased global trade.


4. Which of the following is a negative impact of invasive species?
   1. Increased biodiversity.
   2. Improved ecosystem stability.
   3. Habitat loss.
   4. Enhanced economic prosperity (always).


5. Which of the following is an example of an invasive species mentioned in the guide?
   1. Bald eagle.
   2. Zebra mussel.
   3. Monarch butterfly.
   4. White-tailed deer.


6. Which method is MOST effective in preventing the spread of invasive species?
   1. Introducing more invasive species.
   2. Strict regulations and monitoring of imports and travel.
   3. Ignoring the problem.
   4. Waiting for the species to die out naturally.


7. Why do invasive species often outcompete native species?
   1. They are less adaptable.
   2. They require more resources.
   3. They are better adapted to the local environment.
   4. They reproduce quickly and lack natural predators.