Threats to Biodiversity

By Sarah K. Huber, Paula P. Lemons

Abstract

In this case study, students learn about introduced species and how they pose a threat to biodiversity by analyzing the impact of introduced species on the native bird populations of the Hawaiian Islands. Developed for an introductory biology course, the case could also be used in upper-level courses, such as ecology, conservation biology, evolution, biodiversity, and the biology of social issues, or in a non-majors biology course.

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Date Posted

06/28/2002

Overview

Objectives

Learn what makes a certain introduced species more likely than another to become established in a new area.
Learn how introduced species can directly and indirectly affect endemic species.
Learn why certain endemic species (e.g., Hawaiian birds) are particularly vulnerable to introduced species.
Gain experience in data analysis and how collaboration contributes to studying complex biological problems

Keywords

Biodiversity; introduced species; exotic species; endemic species; habitat fragmentation; Hawaii

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Ecology

Evolutionary Biology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Jig-Saw, Student Presentations

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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