Aside from the introduction of non-native

26 Jun Aside from the introduction of non-native

Question
Lesson 8 Laboratory: Biodiversity

Complete the questions below. When you are asked to include a citation make sure to also include the appropriate reference in the reference page.

TABLE 1

Type

# native

# exotic

total

Tree

42

7

49

Shrub

24

3

27

Woody vine

12

1

13

Herbaceous vine

5

0

5

Perennial forb

260

18

278

Biennial forb

14

12

26

Annual forb

94

27

121

Perennial grass

49

9

58

Annual grass

13

15

28

Perennial sedge

39

0

39

Annual sedge

5

0

5

fern

6

0

6

Totals

563

92

655

Table 1 modified from Ladd, D., Churchwell, B. (1999). Ecological and floristic assessment of Missouri Prairie Foundation lands. Retrieved 2/27/12 from http://www.moprairie.org/index_000.html.

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1. Based on the table above, what percentage of grassland species are exotic?

2. You calculated the percentage of exotic species in protected Missouri grasslands in question 1. After reading “Exotic Species,” would you say this number is acceptable? Why or why not? Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

3. One factor that leads to a decline in biodiversity is the introduction of exotic (a.k.a. non-native species). However, most species that are introduced to an area do not become established. What are some characteristics of species that might make them adapt well in a new habitat? Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

4. Aside from the introduction of non-native (exotic) species, what are (or were) other threats to cause a decline in native Missouri prairies? Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

5. Biodiversity in Missouri’s protected grasslands is greater than the biodiversity in unprotected grasslands. In general, how are grasslands managed to maintain a higher biodiversity than unprotected grasslands? Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

6. What mammal was reintroduced to Dunn Ranch Prairie in northwest Missouri? When? Why? Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

In Figure 1 (below), the changes in plant diversity are shown over time for native and invasive plants. These data were collected in a prairie in Illinois called Fermilab Plot 1.

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7. For Figure 1, hypothesize (make an educated statement) about why there was an increase in native plant diversity in 2008. Support your answer with researched evidence using APA citations.

8. Several factors may underestimate the biodiversity actually present in a grassland. These factors include time of year the survey is done. Formulate a hypothesis about how this factor might affect the accuracy of the data collected.

9. Examine the data given to you (Tables 1a and 1b). Does the data support orrefute your hypothesis?

10. Justify your answer.

References