ENV301/ENV501: Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity- Life History Traits & Population Ecology- Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code: 1HBDI

Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: Studies of the population ecology of invasive species can assist in both understanding and managing invaders. Read the review paper by Sakai et al. (2001), conduct your own literature review, and then write an essay on the following topic: Essay Topic: How do the life-history traits of introduced species affect their chances of success in a new environment and also their management? Please consider the following questions while you are reading the literature:

1. How can an understanding of life-history traits of successful invaders help in predicting future invasive species? Which life history traits are the best predictors of invasion success in plants, and which ones are not? Are there limitations to this approach?
2. What stages are necessary for the successful establishment and invasion by new species? Why is there commonly a time lag between the time of introduction of a species and its establishment and spread in the new environment? How can multiple introductions of a species increase invasion success?
3. How can an understanding of life-history traits assist in the successful management of species invasions? Is there a vulnerable stage(s) in the invasion process, where invasive plants are more susceptible to control?
4. Apply your understanding of life history traits to the management of Mimosa and Gamba grass in northern Australia. How do the life history traits of these species (for example seed longevity) influence their management strategy?

  Readings: Sakai et al. (2001). The population biology of invasive species. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics32: 305-332. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport. (2010). Weed management plan for Andropogongayanus (gamba grass). Northern Territory Government. Darwin. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport. (2013). Weed management plan for Mimosa pigra (Mimosa). Northern Territory Government. Darwin.