Jigsaw: Indirect Effects of a Biological Control Agent

 

Michele R. Schutzenhofer

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2008, Volume 29

Abstract

One major focus within ecology and conservation biology is that of invasive species. Invasive species cause significant ecological and economic harm and therefore effective management strategies are of utmost importance. One common yet controversial method proposed to control invasive plant species is biological control. This activity explores a particular set of research papers that focus on the control (and subsequent consequences) of a noxious invasive plant species. Students work through figures in a jigsaw format to piece together a specific scenario regarding the biological control of an invasive species, potential cascading effects that can occur in an ecosystem when additional species are introduced, and potential consequences of such introductions to human health.

Keywords:  invasive species, knapweed, biocontrol, jigsaw

University of Kentucky (2007)