Introduced Species: Impacts on Biodiversity

Biology Grades High School 9:56 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore how introduced species affect biodiversity, differentiate between native, introduced, and invasive species, and understand the ecological and economic consequences of species introductions.

Video Resource

Introduced species and biodiversity

California Academy of Sciences

Duration: 9:56
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Native vs. Introduced vs. Invasive Species
  • Ecological Impacts of Introduced Species
  • Economic Costs of Introduced Species
  • The Role of Human Activity in Species Introduction

Learning Objectives

  • Differentiate between native, introduced (exotic), cryptogenic, and invasive species.
  • Explain the various ways introduced species can negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem function.
  • Analyze the economic consequences associated with invasive species.
  • Evaluate the role of human activity in the introduction and spread of non-native species.
  • Understand how collections are used to study introduced species.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think of when they hear about animals or plants in places they are 'not supposed to be'. Show a picture of an invasive species and ask students what they know about it. Briefly introduce the concept of introduced species and their potential impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Connect to the video's opening statement about 'beautiful flowers' in a garden.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Introduced species and biodiversity' by California Academy of Sciences. Instruct students to take notes on key terms and concepts presented in the video.
  • Defining Key Terms (10 mins)
    Lead a class discussion to define the following terms: native species, introduced species (exotic species), cryptogenic species, and invasive species. Emphasize the distinction between introduced and invasive, and the role of human activity in introductions. Have students provide examples for each term.
  • Ecological Impacts (15 mins)
    Discuss the ecological consequences of introduced species. Cover topics such as competition for resources, alteration of food webs, introduction of diseases and parasites, and habitat modification. Use examples from the video, such as the comb jelly in the Black Sea and Dutch Elm disease. Ask students to brainstorm other potential ecological impacts.
  • Economic Costs and Solutions (10 mins)
    Explain the significant economic costs associated with managing and mitigating the impacts of invasive species (1.4 trillion dollars annually). Discuss potential solutions for preventing and controlling the spread of introduced species. Emphasize the role of human behavior in addressing this issue.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson and reinforce the importance of understanding the impacts of introduced species on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Preview the upcoming quiz.

Interactive Exercises

  • Case Study Analysis
    Divide students into small groups and assign each group a case study of an invasive species (e.g., zebra mussels, Asian carp, brown tree snake). Have them research the species' origin, mode of introduction, ecological impacts, and management strategies. Each group will present their findings to the class.

Discussion Questions

  • Why might introducing a new species to an environment seem beneficial at first?
  • What are some examples of intentional introductions of species by humans?
  • How can introduced species alter ecosystem food webs?
  • What factors contribute to a species becoming invasive?
  • How do scientists use collections to study and understand the history of introduced species?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem Solving
  • Scientific Communication

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following best defines an introduced species?

Correct Answer: A species that has been transferred to a new environment through human activities.

Question 2:

What is the primary difference between an introduced species and an invasive species?

Correct Answer: Invasive species cause harm to the ecosystem, while introduced species may not.

Question 3:

Which of the following is a common ecological impact of invasive species?

Correct Answer: Competition with native species for resources.

Question 4:

According to the video, what is the estimated annual economic cost associated with dealing with the negative impacts of introduced species?

Correct Answer: $1.4 trillion

Question 5:

What is a cryptogenic species?

Correct Answer: A species of hidden origin, where the history of introduction is unclear.

Question 6:

How can scientists use collections to study introduced species?

Correct Answer: To trace the origins of introductions and establish baselines for future reference.

Question 7:

What is Dutch Elm disease?

Correct Answer: A fungal disease introduced by bark beetles that devastated elm trees.

Question 8:

The comb jelly introduced into the Black Sea caused what ecological impact?

Correct Answer: The total collapse of the anchovy fishery.

Question 9:

What characteristic is often associated with invasive species?

Correct Answer: They lack natural controls such as predators or diseases in their new environment.

Question 10:

The narrator in the video suggests humans can be viewed as what?

Correct Answer: The ultimate invasive species.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A _________ species is one that occurs in an area naturally, without human intervention.

Correct Answer: native

Question 2:

The term ___________ is synonymous with exotic species.

Correct Answer: introduced

Question 3:

Species that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions are called ___________.

Correct Answer: generalists

Question 4:

When introduced species take over an environment at the expense of native species, they are known as ___________ species.

Correct Answer: invasive

Question 5:

The ability to reproduce rapidly and displace natives is a characteristic of __________ species.

Correct Answer: invasive

Question 6:

Disease-causing organisms, like fungi and viruses, can be considered __________ when introduced to new populations.

Correct Answer: invasives

Question 7:

Collections of species establish _________ for future reference, allowing scientists to understand environmental changes.

Correct Answer: baselines

Question 8:

Because the history of an introduction is unknown, these species are referred to as __________.

Correct Answer: cryptogenic

Question 9:

A negative impact of introduced species is the alteration of ecosystems' __________, disturbing crucial elements and interactions.

Correct Answer: food webs

Question 10:

Unlike other invasives, humans are capable of __________ our impact on the environment.

Correct Answer: mitigating

Educational Standards

B.LS2.2:[Standard] Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales. B.LS2.6:[Standard] Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. B.LS4.5:[Standard] Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Teaching Materials

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