In-Unit 32 Webquest
Web Quest Part 1
Define the following terms. Some of them mean the same thing—be sure to mention which ones. (1 point
each for a total of 8 points)
1. Indigenous species
2. Native species
3. Endemic species
4. Invasive species
5. Introduced species
6. Non-native species
7. Intentional introduction
8. Accidental introduction
Below is a list of Web sites that may help you with your research:

www.dictionary.com

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

http://www.ask.com/
Web Quest Part 2
Introduced species often thrive and multiply in an environment very different from their original one. Why
are they often able to do so well in their new habitat? (3 points)
(Hint: Use the term out-compete.)
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://www.answers.com/topic/introduced-species

http://wwwhttp://www.environment.sa.gov.au/

.environment.sa.gov.au/
Web Quest Part 3
In this portion, you are going to discuss reasons for intentional introduction.
Define each term, explain why it has been a reason for introduction in the past, and give 2 examples of
introduced organisms (please include a picture of each organism in your report or presentation). You will
earn 2 points for each explanation, and 1 point for each example for a total of 16 points for this section.
1. Agriculture or aquaculture
2. Recreation (includes: pet trade/fishing/zoos and aquariums)
3. Biological control
4. Genetic conservation
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.html

http://www.parcplace.org/herp_articles_01.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/introduced-species
Web Quest Part 4
In your report, answer the following questions about European starlings. (1 point each for a total of 3
points)
1. Are they native to America?
2. How did they arrive at their present habitat?
3. How did they become one of the most common birds in America?
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/European_Starling.html

http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/estarling.htm
Web Quest Part 5
Research and identify the following methods of accidental introduction. In your essay or presentation,
define each method and give 2 examples of an organism introduced in this manner. You will receive 2
points for each explanation and 1 point for each example for a total of 8 points for this section.
1. Ballast water
2. Ship stowaways (on the vessel, not in the ballast water)
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://see-the-sea.org/topics/species/invasive_species.htm

http://www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/ballast.htm

http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/nature_gallery/introducedspecies.html
Web Quest Part 6
Many diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria, which may be considered introduced species under
certain circumstances (although viruses are not truly living organisms and need another organism as a
host). Describe the following exotic diseases and explain their origins. (4 points each for a total of 8
points)
1. Smallpox
2. Chestnut blight
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://daphne.palomar.edu/scrout/disease.htm

http://www.ppws.vt.edu/griffin/blight.html
Web Quest Part 7
Some of the most common species in human-inhabited areas are, in fact, non-native. These include the
Norway rat, the house sparrow, the European starling, and the rock dove (city pigeon). Why do the rat
and pigeon, especially, flourish while so many other species are suffering with the spread of the human
population? (Hint: Think about/research the two animals’ feeding ecology and reproduction to answer
this question.) (3 points)
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/rattnorv.htm

http://ehrweb.aaas.org/ehr/parents/Pigeons!.html
Web Quest Part 8
Select three of the following examples of invasive species:

Brown tree snake in Guam

Nile perch in Lake Victoria

Sea lamprey in the Great Lakes

European Rabbit in Australia

North American gray squirrels in Europe

Mallard ducks in Hawaii

Ornamental fig trees in Miami

Water hyacinth plants in Florida

Asian mongooses in Hawaii

Zebra mussels in North America

Dromedary camels in Australia

Comb jellyfish (ctenophores) in the Black Sea

Piranhas in the United States
In your presentation or report, answer the following questions for each. (1 point for each answer about
each species; 3 points for each question; 21 points total)
1. Was the introduction intentional or accidental?
2. How did it happen?
3. Why did the organism do well in the new environment?
4. What was the effect on the native environment?
5. What efforts have been made to eliminate or reduce the numbers of the organism?
6. What is the status right now of the organism in the new environment (has it been eliminated, or
does it still flourish)?
7. Include a picture of the organism.
You may use the following resources to help you with your research.

Search engines: www.google.com or www.yahoo.com