Biomes and invasive species consider the variety of biomes that a

1. Biomes and Invasive Species
Consider the variety of biomes that are found as dominant
community types. Using information from the assigned pages in
the textbook, maps and your own observations of the natural
communities around you, determine what major biome or
biomes dominate the area where you live. What do the local
biomes tell you about the climate of your area? How do the
local biomes limit the kinds of living things that you may see
regularly in your area? Be prepared to discuss how the biomes
of local areas influence the daily life, economy, and natural
diversity of local areas.
Next, identify an invasive species in your biome. Define
invasive species and discuss the problems associated with
invasions. Use the Internet to access your state department of
agriculture or fish and game department to find examples of
exotic species (plant or animal) that have been introduced into
your area that are having negative effects on the native plants
and animals. Often these will be listed under the state fish and
game department, or your state’s agricultural extension service.
Pick a specific invasive species that has invaded your area.
Describe where it came from, how it got to your area, the
damage that it is causing, and what is being done to remove it.
Also, offer suggestions for what might have been done to
prevent its invasion in the first place. Complete the textbook
assignment and be prepared to discuss the general problem of
invasive species and the harm that they cause economically and
relative to loss of native biodiversity.
The discussion should be informed by the textbook.