Download Invasive Species project2012

Canadian Invasive Species
Issue
When people mention dangerous fish, sharks, piranhas, and barracudas probably come to mind. By comparison, the
round goby seems harmless (Figure 2.19). However, this fish and other invasive species cost the Ontario economy
hundreds of millions of dollars and affect the sustainability of the ecosystems. How could human activities be
modified to minimize or prevent the introduction of non-native organisms to the environment?
Background Information
Native to Eastern Europe, the round goby arrived in North America in the ballast tanks of a ship. When the ship
dumped its ballast water in Lake St. Clair, it released a number of invasive species into the Great Lakes, including
the round goby.
The round goby arrived in North America without the predators and parasites that are associated with it in its
natural habitat, and the exotic invader was free to reproduce as fast as it could. The round goby is highly territorial
and able to out-compete many native fish, including mottled sculpin and native logperch, causing declines in these
populations.
This fish is relatively small, growing to an average length of 18 cm in the Great Lakes. It prefers the rocky and
sandy lake bottoms that are typical of the Great Lakes. In addition to displacing a number of native fish, the round
goby is also a voracious predator of another invasive species, the zebra mussel. Zebra mussels often have very high
levels of contaminants in their tissues. These become concentrated in the round goby. Any animals that eat the round
goby are likely to have much higher levels of contaminants in their tissues as well.
Other invasive species, including the Eurasian ruffe, spiny water flea, zebra mussel, and purple loosestrife,
have also been introduced to the Great Lakes through ballast water.
The round goby is a relatively small fish
and is considered very aggressive.
Presentation
This assignment will allow you to utilize your creative side.
You can create a poster, booklet, brochure, website, or power point presentation.
Assessment
You must seek permission from your teacher for any presentation other than a poster, booklet, brochure, website, or
power point presentation.
The project will be assessed for communication and application (see the achievement chart).
Sources and References
Sources are required for all information, pictures, and maps. Provide the web address with the information.
The following references will get you started.
http://www.invasivespecies.gc.ca/english/view.asp?x=1
http://www.invadingspecies.com/indexen.cfm
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Biodiversity/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_167267.html
http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?SID=1
Use the index in Pearson Investigating Science 9 to find any articles on invasive species.
Analyze and Evaluate
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Research and describe how human activities (a minimum of three) have contributed to the introduction of
so many invasive species in the terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystems of Canada.
Choose an invasive species, found in Canada, and identify interactions between the invasive species and the
biotic and abiotic environment.
Research and describe how the environment and human society (social and economic) have been impacted
by invasive species in Canada.
Propose potential solutions (a minimum of three) that would reduce the introduction of invasive species
into Canada.
Canadian Invasive Species
Achievement Chart
Date Due:_________________
I/R
Level 1
Expectation
A1.11 Communicates ideas,
communicates for
plans, and conclusions, in
different audiences
writing, and /or in electronic
and purposes with
presentations, using
limited effectiveness
appropriate language and a
variety of formats.
B1.1 Assess, on the basis of
applies knowledge
research, the impact of a
and skills in familiar
factor related to human
contexts with limited
activity (the introduction of
effectiveness
invasive species) that
threatens the sustainability of
a terrestrial or aquatic
ecosystem.
B1.1 Assess, on the basis of
proposes courses of
research, the impact of a
practical action of
factor related to human
limited effectiveness
activity (the introduction of
invasive species) that
threatens the sustainability of
a terrestrial or aquatic
ecosystem.
Name:
Level 2
communicates for
different audiences and
purposes with some
effectiveness
Level 3
communicates for
different audiences and
purposes with
considerable
effectiveness
Level 4
communicates for
different audiences
and purposes with a
high of effectiveness
applies knowledge and
skills in familiar
contexts with some
effectiveness
applies knowledge and
skills in familiar
contexts with
considerable
effectiveness
applies knowledge
and skills in familiar
contexts with a high
degree of
effectiveness
proposes courses of
proposes courses of
practical action of some practical action of
effectiveness
considerable
effectiveness
Please include this achievement chart with your product.
proposes courses of
practical action of a
high degree of
effectiveness