Threats to Biodiversity
A Case Study of Hawaiian Birds
Author(s)
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.
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; HawaiiTopical Areas
Scientific methodEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Jig-Saw, Student PresentationsLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Ecology | Evolutionary Biology |
Date Posted
06/28/02Teaching Notes
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