Lab 1 - Introduction Flashcards
What is an exotic species (non-native)?
It is a species that it not native to an ecosystem and is often established inadvertently by human activity. Some exotic species have fewer natural pop controls which may make them invasive and become nuisances/pests.
What is an indigenous species?
It is a locally adapted species that grows in a specific location, usually classified as a 100km radius from the location of study/where you live. The plants are genetically adapted to the local community.
What is an invasive species?
It is a plant that may or may not be native to the area; however, its presence is detrimental to the land and can impact the ecology of the area
What is a native species?
A plant that existed in an area prior to European settlement. Native refers to native in an ecological zone (ex. Carolinian forest) not a province.
What is a naturalized species?
It is a non-native plant that was introduced to an area which has established itself and grows wild without human interference.
What is a naturalized garden?
It is a re-creation of an ideally self-sustaining natural ecosystem usually in an urban area. They often use perennial native plants to make the gardens low maintenance.
What is UW doing to have “campus naturalization”?
They are trying to minimize the environmental impact of their operations by planting native tree species and eliminating the use of cosmetic pesticides. Naturalized gardens are also being used to reduce water usage, fertilizers and pesticides that are associated with maintaining urban lawns.
- ex. Dorney Garden
Why is the EV3 green roof important?
It creates a diverse ecosystem through the use of native, drought-resistant plants that require little irrigation.
Why is the EV3 constructed wetland important?
Stormwater that falls on the roofs of EV3 and EV2 are collected and directed into the wetland which acts as a natural filter for the water to remove contaminants. The recycled water is stored in a cistern that sits below the wetland and is pumped into EV3 to flush toilets and water the living wall
Why is weeding important?
Weeds compete with desirable plants for nutrients and sunlight and aggressive, invasive species can take over large areas if not controlled - best to remove them before they seed.
What is mulch?
Using a thick layer of material, like inorganics (plastic, stones) or especially organics (compost, wood chips, grass, straw, bark, paper, or living plant ground cover), adds to organic matter in soil which improves soil properties by increasing water filtration and retention and adds nutrients.
Why is mulching important? (benefits?)
- reduces soil erosion from wind and water
- protects soil from raindrop impact
- conserves moisture
- maintains an even soil temperature
- reduces weed growth
- improves appearance
