AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Invasive Species

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Invasive Species, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify one major impact of invasive species on biodiversity.

Answer: Can lead to the extinction of native species. Invasives outcompete natives for resources, often driving them to extinction.

Flashcard 2: Which invasive species is known for damaging coral reefs?

Answer: Lionfish. Venomous predators that consume native fish and disrupt reef ecosystems.

Flashcard 3: Which invasive species has impacted the Great Lakes?

Answer: Zebra mussels. Filter feeders that have transformed lake ecosystems since the 1980s.

Flashcard 4: What is one social impact of invasive species?

Answer: Can lead to conflicts over resource management. Communities may disagree on control methods or resource allocation.

Flashcard 5: How do invasive species affect fire regimes?

Answer: Can increase fire frequency and intensity. Invasive grasses create more flammable conditions than native plants.

Flashcard 6: Identify one consequence of invasive species on human health.

Answer: Can spread diseases to humans. Some invasives carry pathogens or cause allergic reactions in humans.

Flashcard 7: What is the term for a species that outcompetes native species?

Answer: Invasive species. By definition, invasive species outcompete and harm native species.

Flashcard 8: Name a control method that uses chemicals to manage invasive species.

Answer: Pesticides. Chemical control that targets specific invasive species populations.

Flashcard 9: Name a government strategy to manage invasive species.

Answer: National invasive species action plans. Coordinated policies for prevention, early detection, and rapid response.

Flashcard 10: Which invasive species is known for damaging coral reefs?

Answer: Lionfish. Venomous predators that consume native fish and disrupt reef ecosystems.

Flashcard 11: Which characteristic often allows invasive species to thrive?

Answer: High reproductive rate. Rapid reproduction overwhelms native species' ability to compete.

Flashcard 12: What is the impact of invasive species on native species' habitats?

Answer: Degradation or loss of habitat. Invasives modify physical environment, making it unsuitable for natives.

Flashcard 13: Identify one invasive species that affects agriculture.

Answer: Emerald ash borer. Beetle that kills ash trees, devastating forestry and urban landscapes.

Flashcard 14: Identify one invasive mammal species.

Answer: Norway rat. Common urban pest that damages property and spreads disease.

Flashcard 15: What is the impact of invasive species on genetic diversity?

Answer: Can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity. Hybridization and displacement reduce native gene pools.

Flashcard 16: What is the economic impact of invasive species?

Answer: Costly damages to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. Annual costs reach billions in the U.S. alone for control and damage.

Flashcard 17: Name a method to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Answer: Strict quarantine and inspection measures. Border controls prevent species from entering new regions.

Flashcard 18: How do invasive species affect soil quality?

Answer: They can alter soil composition and nutrient availability. Root systems and chemical secretions change soil chemistry and structure.

Flashcard 19: What is the impact of invasive species on local food webs?

Answer: Disruption of predator-prey relationships. Invasives alter feeding relationships and energy flow through ecosystems.

Flashcard 20: Name one invasive species in terrestrial ecosystems.

Answer: Kudzu vine. Fast-growing vine that smothers native vegetation in the southeastern U.S.

Flashcard 21: What is an ecological impact of invasive insect species?

Answer: Defoliation of native plants. Insects strip leaves from trees, weakening or killing native plants.

Flashcard 22: Identify one consequence of invasive species on human health.

Answer: Can spread diseases to humans. Some invasives carry pathogens or cause allergic reactions in humans.

Flashcard 23: How can public awareness help control invasive species?

Answer: Educates people to prevent and report invasives. Early detection and community involvement improve control effectiveness.

Flashcard 24: What is the primary goal of invasive species management?

Answer: To prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of invasives. Protect native biodiversity and ecosystem function from invasive harm.

Flashcard 25: What is the role of international cooperation in managing invasives?

Answer: Facilitates sharing of resources and strategies. Cross-border coordination prevents spread and improves control methods.

Flashcard 26: How do invasive species impact food security?

Answer: They can reduce crop yields and food availability. Agricultural pests reduce harvests, threatening global food supplies.

Flashcard 27: Name one method used to control invasive species.

Answer: Biological control using natural predators. Uses natural enemies to control populations without chemicals.

Flashcard 28: What is the role of climate change in invasive species spread?

Answer: Alters habitats, making them more suitable for invasives. Warming temperatures expand suitable habitats for invasive species.

Flashcard 29: How do invasive species impact food security?

Answer: They can reduce crop yields and food availability. Agricultural pests reduce harvests, threatening global food supplies.

Flashcard 30: How do invasive species affect water quality?

Answer: They can alter nutrient cycles and increase pollution. Filter feeders change chemistry; aquatic plants alter oxygen levels.

Flashcard 31: What is one way invasive species are introduced to new environments?

Answer: Through global trade and transportation. Ships, planes, and cargo accidentally transport species across borders.

Flashcard 32: How do invasive species affect soil quality?

Answer: They can alter soil composition and nutrient availability. Root systems and chemical secretions change soil chemistry and structure.

Flashcard 33: What role do humans play in the spread of invasive species?

Answer: Humans transport species through trade and travel. Primary pathway for invasions through intentional and accidental introductions.

Flashcard 34: Identify one invasive species in aquatic ecosystems.

Answer: Asian carp. Large fish that consume plankton and juvenile fish in rivers and lakes.

Flashcard 35: Identify one economic sector heavily impacted by invasives.

Answer: Agriculture. Crop damage and control costs significantly impact farm profitability.

Flashcard 36: Which invasive species is known for affecting bird populations?

Answer: Brown tree snake. Introduced to Guam, caused extinction of most native forest birds.

Flashcard 37: Name an invasive species that has affected North American ecosystems.

Answer: Zebra mussels. Filter feeders that clog pipes and disrupt food webs in the Great Lakes.

Flashcard 38: What is the role of international cooperation in managing invasives?

Answer: Facilitates sharing of resources and strategies. Cross-border coordination prevents spread and improves control methods.

Flashcard 39: How do invasive species affect tourism?

Answer: Can damage natural attractions, reducing tourism appeal. Ecosystem degradation reduces scenic value and recreational opportunities.

Flashcard 40: Name an invasive plant species in North America.

Answer: Purple loosestrife. Wetland invader that displaces native plants and reduces biodiversity.

Flashcard 41: What is a common trait of invasive plant species?

Answer: Aggressive growth and competition for resources. Fast growth allows them to outcompete natives for space and nutrients.

Flashcard 42: Why are island ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasives?

Answer: Islands have unique and isolated ecosystems. Isolated evolution creates species with no defenses against invaders.

Flashcard 43: Identify one economic sector heavily impacted by invasives.

Answer: Agriculture. Crop damage and control costs significantly impact farm profitability.

Flashcard 44: What is an invasive species?

Answer: A non-native species causing harm to ecosystems, economies, or health. Must be non-native AND cause ecological, economic, or health damage.

Flashcard 45: What is the impact of invasive species on fisheries?

Answer: Can reduce fish populations and alter ecosystems. Competition and predation by invasives collapse commercial fish stocks.

Flashcard 46: What is the impact of invasive species on ecosystem services?

Answer: They can reduce the benefits ecosystems provide. Pollination, water purification, and other services decline with invasion.