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 2017 season can be found here. Note that state organizations may choose to modify this list. They should be available at the state website. A directory of state websites can be found here

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. Tests are also run as a presentation. 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 is the species is native to?
 * Where has the species been introduced to or has spread to?
 * How is the species controlled?
 * How many eggs does it produce?
 * What are some similar species and how are they distinguished?
 * How does this species impact the economy and ecology of areas it invades?

What are 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 out compete the natural organisms, the degradation of natural flora and fauna. This can in turn negatively impact human industry, resulting in economic loss.

Binder
Although this is a binder event and you can pretty much just rely on the binder, it's good to memorize some facts (e.g. the scientific name of each species) so you can answer questions without having to page through your notes. Separate identification pages with just color pictures of species will cover you, but work on being able to identify species without notes. Sheet protectors are allowed, though they'd probably be expensive.

Overview
For the 2016-17 season, you are allowed to bring one binder of any size, with all notes contained in the rings. Often, event supervisors will shake your binder to see what falls out, so be sure that all pages are securely contained.