{"id":4712,"date":"2023-11-10T07:26:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T12:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elbowlakecentre.ca\/?post_type=quills-posts&p=4712"},"modified":"2024-01-12T14:17:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T19:17:23","slug":"invasive-species","status":"publish","type":"quills-posts","link":"https:\/\/elbowlakecentre.ca\/quills\/invasive-species\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive Species"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Invasive plants<\/em><\/strong>:<\/em> can be very harmful to an ecosystem by out-competing native species for resources such as light, moisture and soil nutrients needed by all species to survive and thrive. As a result, species composition can change, affecting wildlife that depend on native plant communities. For example, red-winged blackbirds require cattails for food and nesting, however, cattails are in decline as they are out-competed by phragmites, an invasive species. Invasive plants can damage the natural environment by altering the intricate web of biodiversity that allows an ecosystem to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Invasive insects<\/em><\/strong>: can cause severe damage to the ecological integrity of an environment. Absent of natural predators to inhibit population growth, non-native insects can spread quickly, feasting on native plants and trees. Deforestation is the result and habitat for native species is then severely diminished. A weakened forest ecosystem is vulnerable to additional invasive species, which further disrupts the delicate balance of biodiversity needed for the overall health of the forest ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Invasive Aquatics<\/em><\/strong>:<\/em> species such as fish, invertebrate, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and plant species that have been introduced to an aquatic environment that they are not native to. These species can grow or reproduce quickly and outcompete native species for resources, like light or food. They can harm native species, either directly or indirectly. They can also severely alter habitats which can make it unlivable for native species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Invasive Animals<\/em><\/strong>: <\/em>For students who need to develop deeper understanding teachers can play the following TED talk on Invasive Species: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=spTWwqVP_2s<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n