Group Members _______________________________________________________
Describe any signs of soil disturbance. Is it natural or caused by people?
Using the identification materials provided, look for the following
types of exotic plants and mark down how many of each are present in the
test plot. If you do not see any of a particular type of plant, enter a
zero.
Bull thistle _____________________________________________
Canadian thistle _________________________________________
Western salsify __________________________________________
Cheatgrass _______________________________________________
Common Mullein ___________________________________________
Dandelion ________________________________________________
Diffuse Knapweed _________________________________________
Field Pennycress _________________________________________
Common Burdock ___________________________________________
Russian thistle __________________________________________
How many species of native plants are present? (It does not matter if
you know their names; simply count the different types).
How many individuals of native plants are growing in the test plot?
1. What is an exotic species?
2. What are some ways that exotic species can have a negative impact on
the natural ecosystems they invade?
3. Why does the National Park Service eradicate certain harmful exotic
species? Do you believe that it is a worthwhile way of spending tax
dollars? Why or why not?
4. Do you know of any exotic plants or animals present in your home
environment? There are probably hundreds!
5. There have been many historical examples of the introduction of
non-native species into island communities, with devastating results for
indigenous species. Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii all provide
interesting case studies. Choose one area that interests you and write
a one page research paper documenting the effects of the arrival of a
non-native species on an island.