Question

homework 1: exploring our ecosystem name: angel there is a chance that someone in our class found a species in their quadrat that is invasive! this means that it originated outside our part of ontario and is rapidly taking over the areas that it spreads to. a: exploring invasive species we will use the website: bit.ly/invade - species to do a bit of research. there is a good chance that if you have been through a forest recently, you have seen one of these species! 1. research. visit the website and select terrestrial plants. this will bring up a list of species. please choose one of these species to research. complete the chart below. if youre not sure which to choose, the hogweed is very interesting! species: background where did this species come from? how did it get here? range and distribution where is it now found in ontario or canada? concerns and impacts what effects does it have on humans and ecosystems? b: climate change and invasive species it might seem surprising, but climate change is an important factor in the spread of invasive species. you will explore this using this website: bit.ly/climate - species. 1. research. how could climate change affect the spread of the invasive species you described in question a#1? examine the five examples from this website and describe two that might have the biggest effect on the species you chose. 2. research. a surprising change can happen to the population of a species due to climate change. read the description of sleeper species from the same website. how does a change in climate affect the population of a sleeper species? why?

Explanation:

This homework focuses on researching invasive species and the impact of climate - change on them. For part A, one needs to visit a website, choose a terrestrial invasive plant, and fill in details about its origin, distribution, and impacts. For part B, further research is required on how climate - change affects the spread of the chosen invasive species and the population of sleeper species. Information should be gathered from the provided websites.

Answer:

For A:
Species: Hogweed (example)
Background: It originated in the Caucasus region. It was brought to Europe as an ornamental plant and then spread to North America.
Range and Distribution: In Ontario and Canada, it is found in disturbed areas like roadsides, riverbanks, and abandoned fields.
Concerns and Impacts: It can cause severe skin burns and rashes upon contact with its sap. It out - competes native plants, reducing biodiversity.

For B:

1. Climate - change could affect the spread of Hogweed in several ways. Warmer temperatures could allow it to grow earlier in the spring and later in the fall, extending its growing season. Rising CO₂ levels might also enhance its growth rate. Two examples from the website that could have a big effect: increased frequency of extreme weather events can disperse its seeds over larger areas, and changes in precipitation patterns can create more favorable habitats for its establishment.
2. Sleeper species are those that have been dormant or rare. A change in climate can affect their population because warmer temperatures might trigger their growth and reproduction. For example, if a sleeper species has been limited by cold temperatures, rising temperatures can allow it to expand its range and increase its population.