Invasive Species

Invasive Species was a trial event for Division B at the 2013 National Tournament and is scheduled to be an event for the 2015-16 season. 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. Students are allowed to use one sheet of paper as a resource during the competition.

The 2013 rules for the National Tournament trial event may be found here and here.

The 2012 rules for the Wisconsin Division C trial event may be found here.

What is an Invasive Species?
Invasive Species are foreign animals or plants that are introduced into an ecosystem. They can be harmful to the other organisms that occupy the same ecosystem, as they will take up resources and niches that the previous organisms had. This can lead to more competition, and eventual extinction for those organisms.

The Event
In this event, you have to identify and determine certain things about an invasive species. It is often set up in stations so you have time to go around and see all the species. Animals may be involved, but most of the species are liable to be plants. Some may include weeds, ferns, etc. You may have to identify where the species are native to, or where they have spread. Supervisors may ask ways to stop the spread of them as well. You may also have to identify life cycles and ecological, human and economic impacts.