A) Define Invasive Species:
B)Write one paragraph or more on the a negative invasive species instance and a positive invasive species instance. This can be about the same species or about 2 different ones. Total only 2 paragraphs 1 pro and 1 con.
C)Now list three invasive species to Kentucky.
D)Give one paragraph describing exactly what the history on the organism is, who is impacted the most, and where would one find this organism. Something else that might help you write the paragraph would be to discuss what measures Kentucky has taken to stop the organism.
E)Finally what is the difference behind invasive and introduced? Often the term invasive is used but could the term introduced be used instead??? Both imply that the organism is not native to the area.
A) invasive species = plants or animals that affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically
B) One example of a negative invasive species would be the brown tree snake. This snake has caused the extirpation of both bat, lizard , and bird species. Specifically in Guam, this snake has affected 10 of their 13 native bird species, 6 out of 12 of their native lizard species, and about 2 of 3 of their bat species.
An example of a positive invasive species would be the scotch bloom. This plant was originally intended to help with landscaping and visual appeal. Even though this plant is now overrunning native plants and causing potential dangers as a fire hazard, it's intended purpose proved to be a success.
C) Three invasive species to Kentucky would be the zebra mussel, the chestnut blight, and the multiflora rose.
D) The zebra mussel originated in the Caspian Sea area in Asia. In 1988, it was accidentally released into Lake St. Clair. This mussel can be found in the Kentucky River, as well as all along the Ohio River. The reason why this mussel is such a problem is because of the damage it causes by out-competing other animals and clogging pipes in power plants and municipal water sources.
The chestnut blight comes from China. It was most likely introduces to nurseries in the 1890s, however, it was first found located in New York in 1904. This fungus has affected chestnuts from Alabama to Maine. This fungus has affected chestnuts all along the eastern US, and now the only chestnuts that remain are sprouts from the dead trees that remain.
The multiflora rose comes from Japan and China. The flower was first introduced to America in the 1900s as a "living fence". The plant is now located in over 37 couties in Kentucky. This rose is not only a weed in most crop and pasture lands, it also prevents other plants from growing by forming dense thickets that crowd the area.
E) I believe that the differenvce between "introduced" and "invasive" would be the inteded purpose and the history or other information behind the subject. When something is introduced somewhere, it is done willfuly and for a purpose. Introductions, also, do not alwasy have negative connotations to go along with it. When something is deemed as invasive though, it is something that is typically unwanted and negatively looked upon.
defintions = invade-to enter forcefully as an enemy; to enter like an enemy; to encroach or infringe upon; to enter and affect injuriously or destructively
introduce-to acquaint (two or more persons) with each other personally;to suggest, propose, or advance for or as if for the first time; to create, bring into notice, use, etc., for or as if for the first time; institute
Sources:
http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/invasives/kentucky.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species
http://science.jrank.org/pages/3671/Invasive-Species.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/invasives/index.shtml
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/introduce
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/invade
