Invasive Species

Invasive Species is a Division B and Division C event introduced in the 2016 season. It was a trial event for Division B at the 2013 National Tournament. Previously, it was a trial event for Division C in Wisconsin under the name Invasives. The event tests participants on invasive species found on a tournament-specific invasive species list.

The official national list for the 2016 season can be found here. Note that state organizations may choose to modify this list for their regional and/or state competition(s).

The Event
In this event, competitors will have to identify invasive species and answer various questions about them. The event will often be run in station format, each usually with a photograph or physical specimen of an invasive species and a set of questions regarding it. Each team may bring one three-ring binder for reference.

Examples of questions that may be asked about specific invasive species include, but are not limited to:
 * Where the species is native to
 * Where the species has been introduced to or has spread to
 * Methods to control and prevent the spread of the species
 * Control measures to reduce or eliminate populations of the invasive species or to reduce their impact
 * Life cycle of the invasive species
 * Ecological, human, and economic impacts of the invasive species

What is an Invasive Species?
Invasive species are organisms that have been introduced into an ecosystem (an introduced or alien species) that reproduces and spreads in the environment, leading to the damage and degradation of the area's natural flora and fauna, the health of humans, and/or the economy. For example, they can be harmful to the other organisms that occupy the same ecosystem, as they will use resources and occupy niches of native organisms. This results in competition and, if the introduced species can outcompete the natural organisms, the degradation of natural flora and fauna. This can in turn negatively impact human industry, resulting in economic loss.