Invasive Species and Field Observations Study Notes

Flashcards covering native versus nonnative plant distinctions, insect richness and biomass data, handwritten field plant identifications, and ecological restoration applications.

How does the lecture define a native (indigenous) species?

A species present without human assistance, using presence before the Neolithic period ($\sim 12{,}000\text{ years}$ before present) as a historical reference point.

What is an alien or nonnative species?

A species occurring outside its native range because of human introduction.

What distinguishes an invasive species from a nonnative species?

An invasive species is generally a nonnative species that establishes, spreads, and causes ecological, economic, or other harm. Not every nonnative species is invasive.

What are the five reasons to choose native plants identified in lecture slide 2?

Environmental adaptation, disease and pest resistance (a potential benefit, not a guarantee), biotic adaptation (relationships with other native organisms), preservation of natural heritage and native genetics, and providing food and habitat for native animals.

According to Slide 3 (Tallamy, unpublished data), what were the herbivorous insect species richness estimates on native versus alien plants?

Approximately $0.039\,\text{species/g leaf}$ on native plants versus $0.014\,\text{species/g leaf}$ on alien plants.

According to Slide 4, how many herbivorous insect species does Melaleuca quinquenervia host in its homeland compared to North America?

$409$ species in its homeland versus $8$ species in North America.

According to Slide 4, how many herbivorous insect species do Clematis vitalba and Eucalyptus stellulata host in their homeland versus North America?

Clematis vitalba hosts $40$ in its homeland and $1$ in North America; Eucalyptus stellulata hosts $48$ in its homeland and $1$ in North America.

According to Slide 4, how many herbivorous insect species do Opuntia ficus-indica and Phragmites australis support in North America compared to their homelands?

Opuntia ficus-indica supports $0$ in North America ($16$ in homeland); Phragmites australis supports $5$ in North America ($170$ in homeland).

What is the primary takeaway from the hosting capacity table on Slide 4?

In the displayed examples, introduced plants support fewer herbivore species in North America than in their native range.

According to Slide 5 (Tallamy, unpublished data), what were the visual estimates for insect biomass on native versus alien plants?

About $3.8\,\text{mg/g leaf}$ on native plants versus $1.8\,\text{mg/g leaf}$ on alien plants.

What is the conceptual difference between species richness and biomass in the insect data slides?

Species richness means how many insect species are present, whereas biomass means how much insect mass is present.

What habitat is associated with Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) in the handwritten field notes?

Open/disturbed, dry or grassy areas.

Which invasive plant from the notebook is specifically associated with wetland sites?

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).

What identifying clues and characteristics are noted for Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)?

Native to Asia, typically found in forests, opposite leaves, shrub habit, tubular flowers, and a paired/umbrella-like fruit or flower arrangement.

What field clues and origins are noted for Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)?

From Asia, brought as a native-fence/hedge plant, occurs in open areas, roadsides, edges, and agricultural areas, with fringed stipules that look like little eyelashes and recurved thorns.

What visual prompts are recorded in the notebook for Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)?

Silvery leaf undersides and orange/silvery speckled features.

What habitat was noted for Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)?

Open/disturbed grassy areas, roadsides, and disturbed ground.

How can invasive plants interfere with the restoration of a target plant community regarding food webs and species composition?

Invasive plants can crowd out or replace native species, altering target plant composition, and reducing insect herbivore richness or biomass, which potentially affects organisms higher in the food web.

What factors should be recorded during a restoration site assessment according to the notes?

Plant identifications, whether the area is wet or dry, disturbance, light, soil, and nearby seed sources.