🦎 Part 1: Understanding Invasive Species

1. What is an invasive species?

A species that is native to Australia

A species introduced by humans to an ecosystem where they are not native

A species that only eats plants

A species that lives in water only

2. Which of the following are invasive species in Australia? (Select all that apply)

Cane toads

Kangaroos

European rabbits

Koalas

Feral cats

Wombats

3. How do invasive species typically affect native ecosystems?

They always help native species

They compete for resources and can harm native species

They have no effect on native species

They only affect plant species

4. In a food web, if cane toads are introduced and compete with native frogs for insects, what might happen to the native frog population?

🕸️ Part 2: Food Web Analysis

5. Look at the food web diagram your teacher provided. List three native Australian species that might be affected by the introduction of European rabbits:

a) _________________________

b) _________________________

c) _________________________

6. Explain how the introduction of feral cats might affect a native bird population in the food web:

7. Write an investigable question about how an invasive species affects a native species in a food web:

8. Write a hypothesis for your investigable question using this format: "If [invasive species condition], then [effect on native species] because [scientific reason]."

🌿 Part 3: Cultural Perspectives and Management

9. Why is it important to consider First Nations Australians' ecological knowledge when managing invasive species?

10. Give one ethical consideration that should be thought about when deciding how to control invasive species:

11. How can science communication help communities make better decisions about invasive species management?

12. Choose one invasive species discussed in class and describe one way it could be managed while considering both environmental and cultural perspectives:

Invasive species: _________________________