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Background
In the process of humans moving around the world, they have transported other organisms around the world.
Some species were intentionally moved, such as bringing livestock and food with them. Other species were
accidentally moved, such as stowaway rats that followed the humans. A native (indigenous) species is one
that occurred naturally in a habitat before humans migrated to the area. Thus a species is native to a
particular area and habitat. For instance, Dallas was originally Blackland Prairie with many grass and
wildflower species occurring here. The Eastern gray squirrel, which lives in forests, is native to the forests of
eastern Texas but not to the Dallas region. An exotic (introduced) species is a species that was somehow
moved by humans. An invasive species is an exotic species that is reproductively uncontrolled. These species
cause environmental, economic, and sometimes health problems.
Introduction
Exercise 1 is made up of a short 10 minute video and an optional longer video. Both of these videos explore the
problem of invasive species and have been added to gain insight into this growing problem. Exercise 2 consists of
creating a PowerPoint presentation over the invasive species of your choice. It will be submitted under the
discussion board for a total of 40 points.
For this activity you will watch a short video about invasive species. Watch “Invasive Species Spreading Across
America” by CBS at:
Short CBS News Segment over Invasive Species
For an alternate longer movie about invasive species. Watch “Silent Invasion” by Oregon Public Broadcasting at:
"Silent Invasion Movie" about Invasive Species
Presentation Basics
1) Below is a list of invasive species found in Texas. Select a species to profile from that list. Submit in the discussion
board for 5 extra points. Once a species has been taken no one else can pick it.
2) Create a PowerPoint presentation with the required information listed below. Submit under discussion board for a
total of 40 points.
3) Presentation should be between 7-10 minutes long (if you were presenting it).
4) Four citations required. At least one book, magazine or journal. Not all internet sites.
Select a species to research that will be the basis for your project. Make sure your species is an invasive
species. A list of invasive species in Texas is included at the end of this handout. You can use the following websites for
more information.
A way in which you are separated by “six degrees of separation” from the invasive plant or animal you chose
(connections through food chains, resource use, ecosystems, or anything else.) These connections can be very
direct or indirect, but exemplify the idea that all life is connected, and that our actions affect other species to
some degree whether consciously or unconsciously. Do not leave this out. Have a discussion with classmates
or me to get ideas.
Example: I live next to a noisy street, to block out noise I planted a row of bamboo. Golden
bamboo is an invasive species and it may spread through the neighborhood.
Your work will be graded on grammar and spelling, as well as the aesthetics (how nice it looks). Any format
error you may encounter can likely be resolved by googling the issue; ex. “How do I adjust table size in word?”
Often, instructional videos on formatting in word are posted on youtube.com