Ecosystem Invaders: Impact of Intruders
Ecosystem Invaders: Impact of Intruders
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Ecosystem Invaders: Impact of Intruders
What do you already know about intruders in ecosystems?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain what intruders in an ecosystem are, give examples, and describe their impact on native species and the environment.
What Is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem includes all living organisms and their interactions with each other and their physical environment.
What Are Intruders in Ecosystems?
Intruders, or invasive species, are plants or animals that enter an ecosystem where they do not naturally belong.
How Do Intruders Arrive?
Intruders can arrive accidentally, such as through global trade and travel, or intentionally, like when species are introduced for farming or gardening.
Impact on Native Species
Intruders often compete with native species for food and space. They can cause native species to decline or even become extinct.
Examples of Ecosystem Intruders
Introduced from North America, the grey squirrel outcompetes native red squirrels for food and habitat.
Japanese Knotweed
This plant spreads quickly in the UK, damaging buildings and harming native plants by taking over their space.
Grey Squirrel in the UK
Protecting Our Ecosystems
Humans can help by preventing the spread of intruders, reporting sightings, and supporting conservation efforts to restore balance.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
