You Poured it Where?
A Case Study in Invasive Species
Author(s)
Abstract
This "clicker case" focuses on the invasive aquarium strain of Caulerpa taxifolia as a way of introducing students to issues about invasive species. Specifically, students learn to identify some of the traits that make a species potentially invasive and explore how individual decisions can have big impacts on the ecosystem. The case uses a story/handout that sets the stage combined with a New York Times article for further background. Students are then guided through a series of PowerPoint slides (5 MB) in class that provide additional information, prompts for small group discussion, and multiple-choice "clicker questions." The case is suitable for introductory biology and ecology courses.
Objectives
- Identify traits that enable a species to become invasive.
- Explain how the activities of humans have contributed to the spread of invasive species.
- Describe how a rapid, multifaceted approach is required to limit the spread of invasive species.
Keywords
Invasive species; exotic species; introduced species; algae; caulerpa; Caulerpa taxifoliaTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDF, PowerPointType / Methods
Clicker, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Ecology | Environmental Science | Botany / Plant Science |
Date Posted
03/22/10Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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Comments
Tom Savage
tsavage@henderson.k12.nc.us
Science
Flat Rock, North Carolina
04/23/2013
Where is the article from the NY Times for this case, "You Poured it Where?" -----------------------------
Editor
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
04/23/2013
Response to T. Savage's Question: The URL has changed for accessing this article from the New York Times website. We searched it in Google and found its new location. It is now online at: http://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/16/world/a-delicate-pacific-seaweed-is-now-a-monster-of-the-deep.html Hopefully it won't change again any time soon, but it is usually possible by searching the title of a news story like this one in Google to find its new location. -----------------------------
Editor
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
10/17/2013
A number of people have written in to ask where the handout for students is for this case. It is at the very end of the Teaching Notes, after the references, and begins on its own separate page (pages 9 and 10). It is formatted for printing. -----------------------------