All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which invasive species has impacted the Great Lakes?
Answer: Zebra mussels. Filter feeders that have transformed lake ecosystems since the 1980s.
Flashcard 2: Name one invasive species in terrestrial ecosystems.
Answer: Kudzu vine. Fast-growing vine that smothers native vegetation in the southeastern U.S.
Flashcard 3: Name a government strategy to manage invasive species.
Answer: National invasive species action plans. Coordinated policies for prevention, early detection, and rapid response.
Flashcard 4: Name a control method that uses chemicals to manage invasive species.
Answer: Pesticides. Chemical control that targets specific invasive species populations.
Flashcard 5: Which characteristic often allows invasive species to thrive?
Answer: High reproductive rate. Rapid reproduction overwhelms native species' ability to compete.
Flashcard 6: Name an invasive species that has affected North American ecosystems.
Answer: Zebra mussels. Filter feeders that clog pipes and disrupt food webs in the Great Lakes.
Flashcard 7: Which invasive species is known for damaging coral reefs?
Answer: Lionfish. Venomous predators that consume native fish and disrupt reef ecosystems.
Flashcard 8: Identify one economic sector heavily impacted by invasives.
Answer: Agriculture. Crop damage and control costs significantly impact farm profitability.
Flashcard 9: Identify one major impact of invasive species on biodiversity.
Answer: Can lead to the extinction of native species. Invasives outcompete natives for resources, often driving them to extinction.
Flashcard 10: Name a method to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Answer: Strict quarantine and inspection measures. Border controls prevent species from entering new regions.
Flashcard 11: What is the primary goal of invasive species management?
Answer: To prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of invasives. Protect native biodiversity and ecosystem function from invasive harm.
Flashcard 12: What is the impact of invasive species on genetic diversity?
Answer: Can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity. Hybridization and displacement reduce native gene pools.
Flashcard 13: Which invasive species is known for affecting bird populations?
Answer: Brown tree snake. Introduced to Guam, caused extinction of most native forest birds.
Flashcard 14: What is an ecological impact of invasive insect species?
Answer: Defoliation of native plants. Insects strip leaves from trees, weakening or killing native plants.
Flashcard 15: How do invasive species affect soil quality?
Answer: They can alter soil composition and nutrient availability. Root systems and chemical secretions change soil chemistry and structure.
Flashcard 16: How can public awareness help control invasive species?
Answer: Educates people to prevent and report invasives. Early detection and community involvement improve control effectiveness.
Flashcard 17: What is the impact of invasive species on fisheries?
Answer: Can reduce fish populations and alter ecosystems. Competition and predation by invasives collapse commercial fish stocks.
Flashcard 18: What is one way invasive species are introduced to new environments?
Answer: Through global trade and transportation. Ships, planes, and cargo accidentally transport species across borders.
Flashcard 19: How do invasive species affect tourism?
Answer: Can damage natural attractions, reducing tourism appeal. Ecosystem degradation reduces scenic value and recreational opportunities.
Flashcard 20: What is an invasive species?
Answer: A non-native species causing harm to ecosystems, economies, or health. Must be non-native AND cause ecological, economic, or health damage.
Flashcard 21: Identify one invasive species in aquatic ecosystems.
Answer: Asian carp. Large fish that consume plankton and juvenile fish in rivers and lakes.
Flashcard 22: What is the role of international cooperation in managing invasives?
Answer: Facilitates sharing of resources and strategies. Cross-border coordination prevents spread and improves control methods.
Flashcard 23: Identify one consequence of invasive species on human health.
Answer: Can spread diseases to humans. Some invasives carry pathogens or cause allergic reactions in humans.
Flashcard 24: How do invasive species impact food security?
Answer: They can reduce crop yields and food availability. Agricultural pests reduce harvests, threatening global food supplies.
Flashcard 25: How do invasive species affect water quality?
Answer: They can alter nutrient cycles and increase pollution. Filter feeders change chemistry; aquatic plants alter oxygen levels.
Flashcard 26: What is the impact of invasive species on local food webs?
Answer: Disruption of predator-prey relationships. Invasives alter feeding relationships and energy flow through ecosystems.
Flashcard 27: What is one social impact of invasive species?
Answer: Can lead to conflicts over resource management. Communities may disagree on control methods or resource allocation.
Flashcard 28: How do invasive species affect fire regimes?
Answer: Can increase fire frequency and intensity. Invasive grasses create more flammable conditions than native plants.
Flashcard 29: Name one method used to control invasive species.
Answer: Biological control using natural predators. Uses natural enemies to control populations without chemicals.
Flashcard 30: What role do humans play in the spread of invasive species?
Answer: Humans transport species through trade and travel. Primary pathway for invasions through intentional and accidental introductions.