Biology 20: Inquiry into Foreign Species

Worth: Part of the 15% total from Inquiry Projects

Due: TBA

PURPOSE:

The introduction of exotic or foreign species into an ecosystem by humans, either

purposefully or accidently, is one of the main causes of species depletion and extinction.
In Canada, conservative estimates place the introduction of exotic species at well over
3000. These species change natural ecosystems and cost Canadians billions of dollars
annually.

The purpose of this assignment is to have you synthesize your understanding of

ecological content and, at the same time, gain some experience writing about complicated
scientific ideas.
TASK:

You will conduct research on a foreign species that was introduced into an
ecosystem. Using this research, you will then write a short (approx. 500 words) news
article about your ecosystem and the influence of your foreign species on that ecosystem.
You want to inform as many citizens about your species and ecosystem as possible. As a
result, your challenge will be to write about the scientific concepts in a very
straightforward and clear way, while at the same time engaging them in your content.

*Note: In explaining scientific content, do not copy definitions or descriptions word-for-

word. Write the scientific concept in your own words and try to explain it better than
even your notes do.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS TO INCLUDE:

 What are biotic components? What are the biotic influences of your ecosystem?
 What are abiotic components? What are the abiotic influences of your ecosystem?
 What is a species?
 What are different ecological levels of organization? How does your species
impact these different levels of organization (ecosystem, communities,
populations, and individuals)?
 Does your species impact terrestrial or aquatic biomes? How?
 What is a habitat, range, and ecological niche? What is your species habitat,
range, and ecological niche?
 What are some limiting factors in your ecosystem? Is your species a limiting
factor on another organism or does your species have any limiting factors?

POSSIBLE RESOURCES:
1. https://invasives.org.au/case-studies/
2. https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/oes/ocns/inv/cs/2304.htm
3. https://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo/files/ep-KudzuFactSheet2008.pdf

EVALUATION:
The news article will be graded according to the following four criteria:
 Considerations, Criteria Evidence of
concerns, areas that Standards of Performance exceeding
need work standards,
excellent areas of
work
APPROPRIATE RESOURCES (10%)
Resources are documented, relevant, and
reliable.
ACCURACY OF SCIENTIFIC
CONTENT (40%)
The news article includes most (5/7) of the
important concepts and demonstrates a
thorough and accurate understanding of
these concepts.
CLARITY AND ENGAGEMENT (40%)
The news article is written with a logical
structure to it. Concepts and ideas are
written with clarity and can be easily
understood. The content within the news
article is written in such a manner that it
captures the readers interest. The title of
the news article captures the readers
interest and clearly relates to the theme of
the new article.
SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION
(10%)
There are very few spelling or punctuation
errors.