9. Pest behaviour

Question 1

Learning Objective 1: Ecological and Behavioral Characteristics of Invasive Species

Introduction to Invasive Species
Nocturnal Behavior
Scent Orientation
Adept Climbers
r-Strategists
Generalists
Behavioral Flexibility

Answer 1

Introduction to Invasive Species
Invasive species are introduced organisms with traits for success.
Specific traits aid their survival in new environments.

Nocturnal Behavior
Many invasives, like rats, are nocturnal to avoid competition.
Nighttime activity helps exploit resources and evade diurnal natives.

Scent Orientation
Invasives rely on smell to locate food, giving competitive edge.
Enhanced olfaction helps find resources efficiently.

Adept Climbers
Invasive climbers (e.g., rats, possums) access resources.
Natives might lack climbing skills, offering invasives an advantage.

r-Strategists
High reproductive rates seen in invasives.
Producing many offspring rapidly boosts their population.

Generalists
Invasives adapt to diverse environments and food sources.
Generalism enhances flexibility and resource utilization.

Behavioral Flexibility
Rapid adaptability in behavior is characteristic.
Quick response to changing conditions gives competitive edge.

Question 2

Learning Objective 2: Vulnerabilities of New Zealand’s Native Species
Ground-Nesting and Flightlessness
Anti-Predator Response
Resource Competition

Answer 2

Ground-Nesting and Flightlessness
Native species like Kiwi adapted to ground-nesting.
Vulnerable to introduced mammals accessing ground nests.

Anti-Predator Response
Native birds have anti-predator tactics.
Not effective against invasive mammals with different strategies.

Resource Competition
Invasive fish like Koi carp compete for resources.
Native fish face competition, impacting population.

Question 3

Learning Objective 3: Impacts of Pest Species on New Zealand Ecosystems

Brushtail Possums
Invasive Fish (Koi Carp)
Invasive Wasps
Invasive Bird Species

Answer 3

Brushtail Possums
Possums during mast years consume seeds.
Impact forest ecosystem dynamics significantly.

Invasive Fish (Koi Carp)
Koi carp disrupt freshwater ecosystems.
Compete with natives, alter habitats.

Invasive Wasps
Wasps prey on insects, affecting pollinators and birds.
Impact on native bird populations observed.

Invasive Bird Species
Common mynah, Australian magpie, Canadian goose.
Impact native species through competition and behavior.

Question 4

Learning Objective 4: Importance of Behavioral Flexibility

Behavioral Flexibility’s Significance
Rapid Response to Environmental Changes
Exploitation of Novel Resources
Colonization of Diverse Habitats
Competitive Edge over Natives
Success in Changing Environments

Answer 4

Behavioral Flexibility’s Significance
Behavioral flexibility is crucial for invasive species.
Allows rapid adaptation and survival in new environments.

Rapid Response to Environmental Changes
Flexibility enables quick adaptation to shifting conditions.
Enhances survival prospects in unpredictable settings.

Exploitation of Novel Resources
Invasives can exploit untapped food sources and habitats.
Helps them thrive where natives may struggle.

Colonization of Diverse Habitats
Flexible invasives can colonize varied environments.
Increases chances of establishing in new regions.

Competitive Edge over Natives
Quick adaptation provides edge over unresponsive natives.
Enhances invasive species’ ability to outcompete.

Success in Changing Environments
Behavioral flexibility ensures ongoing success.
Enables persistence in non-native habitats over time.