Ecosystem Biodiversity and Invasive Species Project

*Adapted from Georgia Department of Education’s Website*

1. Choose an invasive species and a specific area/ecosystem it invaded from one of the biomes
researched/studied in class. A few ideas are listed at the bottom of the page.
2. On a separate page or on the poster itself, briefly identify and describe the following species in
the ecosystem in which the invasive species you chose is found:
a. Keystone c. Endemic
b. Native d. Endangered
3. Based on your research of the species listed above, complete the questions on the page linked here.
4. Research the following items about your species - “Required Research”. These items should all be
included on your poster or in your public service announcement.
a. Image of the Invasive Species
b. Common name and Scientific Name (Genus species)
c. Identify your species as Plant or Animal and Aquatic or Terrestrial
d. Give a physical description of your species (size, color, etc.)
e. Where is your species native to (i.e. Where is it from)? (Countries or Continents)
f. Why is it a threat or problem in the United States? What are its ‘crimes?’
g. Where does it occur in the United States? A map would be great!
h. How does it spread?
i. How did it get to the United States?
j. What are some ways its population might be controlled?
k. How did introducing this invasive species to the new area change that area’s biodiversity?
5. Now create a “Most Wanted Flyer” or public service announcement with these requirements in mind:
a. Your image should be front and center and clearly visible (no poor quality images).
b. You should have a clear “WANTED” statement.
c. Your required items should be presented clearly, along with a works cited at the bottom for
where you found the bulk of your information.
d. The layout of the flyer or PSA should be eye-catching, yet legible and understandable.
e. You may create this as a google slide, doc, etc. or write/draw it on a poster.
6. Include the C-E-R argument you worked on in class discussing how much the biodiversity of the
ecosystem will change in the future as a result of your invasive species being introduced. Be sure
to include information about the ecosystem’s biodiversity in your argument, specifically in terms of
keystone, invasive, native, endemic, and endangered species.

Possible Invasive Species - You may choose a different one you find as long as it is invasive to
somewhere in the United States.
Spotted Goby Lionfish Japanese wireweed
Glassy-winged sharpshooter Eastern mud snail Yellow star thistle
European Starling Asian overbite clam Pampas Grass
Red Fox Striped barnacle French or Scotch Broom
Chinese Tallow Tree Green crabs Atlantic Cordgrass
Japanese climbing fern Mitten crabs