Biomes and Invasive Species

Consider the variety of biomes that are found as dominant community types. Using information from the assigned pages in the textbook, maps and your own observations of the natural communities around you, determine what major biome or biomes dominate the area where you live. What do the local biomes tell you about the climate of your area? How do the local biomes limit the kinds of living things that you may see regularly in your area? Be prepared to discuss how the biomes of local areas influence the daily life, economy, and natural diversity of local areas.

Next, identify an invasive species in your biome. Define invasive species and discuss the problems associated with invasions. Use the Internet to access your state department of agriculture or fish and game department to find examples of exotic species (plant or animal) that have been introduced into your area that are having negative effects on the native plants and animals. Often these will be listed under the state fish and game department, or your state’s agricultural extension service. Pick a specific invasive species that has invaded your area. Describe where it came from, how it got to your area, the damage that it is causing, and what is being done to remove it. Also, offer suggestions for what might have been done to prevent its invasion in the first place. Complete the textbook assignment and be prepared to discuss the general problem of invasive species and the harm that they cause economically and relative to loss of native biodiversity.