Invasive Species

Question

Invasive Species

An invasive species is one that is not native to a particular ecosystem, but it has the ability to grow, reproduce, and flourish in these new conditions. Invasive species are often introduced to an ecosystem by humans. Many plants were brought over by horticulturalists and they became invasive and dangerous to the natural population over time. If left unchecked, invasive species can lead to the death, and even extinction, of native species.
Question 1

PART A
Which of these characteristics would classify an introduced species as being invasive?
Responses

A they can be grown easilythey can be grown easily

B they have many natural predatorsthey have many natural predators

C they take away resources from native organismsthey take away resources from native organisms

D they tend to not survive well with changes to a new environmentthey tend to not survive well with changes to a new environment
Question 2

PART B
Which of these would not be considered an invasive species?
Responses

A Kudzu is introduced from Japan as an ornamental vine and it spread quickly and utilized many of the resources needed by the local, native trees.Kudzu is introduced from Japan as an ornamental vine and it spread quickly and utilized many of the resources needed by the local, native trees.

B Sciurus carolinensis, common name eastern gray squirrel or grey squirrel depending on region, is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is native to eastern North America, where it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator.

Answer 1

Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
2 hours ago

Question 1

PART A
Which of these characteristics would classify an introduced species as being invasive?

Response:
C they take away resources from native organisms

Explanation:
An invasive species is characterized by its ability to outcompete native species for resources (such as food, space, and nutrients), disrupt ecosystems, and potentially lead to the decline or extinction of native species. Options A, B, and D do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of invasive species.

Question 2

PART B
Which of these would not be considered an invasive species?

Response:
B Sciurus carolinensis, common name eastern gray squirrel or grey squirrel depending on region, is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is native to eastern North America, where it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator.

Explanation:
The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is native to eastern North America, and therefore, it is not classified as an invasive species. On the other hand, kudzu (option A) is an introduced species that has become invasive due to its rapid growth and resource consumption, negatively impacting the local ecosystem.