Although some species are able to migrate and enter new habitats, most of them are pretty happy with the niches they have established in their habitats.  While the may enter a new habtitat on their own, these migrations are generally very slow to occur.

Humans have been responsible for helping a number of species enter new habitats.  Much like early human settlers colonized new locations, plants, animals and bacteria have been able to create founder colonies in new locations, an important first step in establishing a more permanent presence in their new ecosystem.

Today, you will be looking at some of the ways that introduced species can enter a new ecosystem, and the impact that they may have on established communities.

Resources:

• Watch the videos on Youtube:
  • Cane Toads: An Unnatural History.
  • Burmese Python vs Alligator in the Florida Everglades
• Notes: Introduced Species

Assignment

• Research Invasive Species of British Columbia and Canada (Worksheet)