Invasion Ecology

Question 1

Give the statistical equation for predicting how an invasive species will cope.

Answer 1

10% of feral or introduced species establish themselves

10% of those become weeds and pests

Question 2

List some common invasive species.

Answer 2

Rats, hedgehogs, minks, domestic cats, Japanese knotweed, giant hog weed, spitting spider.

Question 3

What do we need to do scientifically with Invasion species ?

Answer 3

Describe them 
Model them 
Manipulate them (field experiments)

Question 4

The brown tree snake is an invasive species on the island of Guam
State the impact it has had.

Answer 4

Now 2 million snakes on Guam
Predate bird nests, Generalist predator
10 endemic forest birds species have been driven to the point of extinction

Question 5

What is Himalayan balsam ?

Answer 5

A plant that was introduced to British gardens in 1939

Question 6

How does Himalayan balsam outcompete other species ?

Answer 6

Has an indirect effect on other plant species by proving a more effective pollen source

Question 7

Give another group of insects which are important as pollinators

Answer 7

Flies

Question 8

List 4 species of flies which are also pollinators.

Answer 8

Bee flies
Robber flies
Hover flies 
Conopoid flies
Hippoboscid flies